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antelopehorns
Scientific Name: Asclepias asperula ssp. capricornu
Family: Asclepiadaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Forb/herb
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Antelope Horns (Asclepias asperula)
Antelope Horns, scientifically known as Asclepias asperula, is a fascinating milkweed species with several common names that reflect its unique appearance. These include green-flowered milkweed and spider antelope horns.
Considerations for Pets
- This plant produces a white sap when cut, which is characteristic of milkweeds.
Considerations for Children
- The plant produces a white sap when cut.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Asclepias asperula
- Family: Asclepiadaceae
- Synonyms: Asclepias asperula subsp. capricornu
Distribution and Habitat
Asclepias asperula is native to the Southwestern United States and northern Mexico.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Antelope horns milkweed has a tap root that develops quickly.
- It spreads out along the ground, growing to a height of 8 to 24 inches.
- Stems are decumbent to ascending, few to many, radiating from the crown, and simple to sparingly.
- The green seed follicles curve as they grow, resembling antelope horns.
- It is a perennial growing to 1 meter (3ft 3in) by 1 meter (3ft 3in) at a medium rate.
- It is in flower from July to August.
- The flowers are pale, greenish-yellow and sometimes tinged with maroon.
Ecological Role
This milkweed provides nectar for numerous species of insects.
Quirky Facts
- The plant's common name, "Antelope Horns," comes from the shape of its seed pods, which curve and resemble antelope horns as they develop.
- Antelope horns have been used as a medium-grade drug in Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing (Divine Farmer's Materia Medica), known as Ling Yang Jiao, in Traditional Chinese Medicine.