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Carolina milkweed
Scientific Name: Asclepias cinerea
Family: Asclepiadaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Forb/herb
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Carolina Milkweed (Asclepias cinerea)
Carolina Milkweed, scientifically known as Asclepias cinerea, is a vital plant for Monarch butterflies, serving as the primary host for their caterpillars.
Considerations for Pets and Children
- Milkweed is reported to have a milky sap or latex (Figure 1. Typical milkweed milky sap or latex).
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Asclepias cinerea Walter
- Common Name: Carolina Milkweed
- Family: Asclepiadaceae (Milkweed Family) / Apocynaceae (Dogbane Family)
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to the Southeast Coastal Plain.
- Specific locations include South Carolina to Mississippi and Florida.
- Habitat includes pine flatwoods.
Morphological Characteristics
- Single stalk, typically 30-70 cm tall.
- Leaves are opposite on the stem, 5 to 9 cm long, linear and filaform with entire margins.
- Flowers are light maroon in color.
Ecological Role
- Essential host plant for Monarch butterfly caterpillars.
- Important nectar source for butterflies and other pollinators.
- Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) is expanding its range southward in North Carolina
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Serves as the exclusive food source for Monarch butterfly caterpillars.
- Attracts butterflies and other pollinators.
- Milkweed bugs (Oncopeltus fasciatus) are commonly found on milkweed plants.
Further Information
- South Carolina Wildlife Federation: www.scwf.org
- Clemson University & South Carolina Native Plant Society
- North Carolina Botanical Garden
- Carolina Butterfly Society
- Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation