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pallid milkweed

Scientific Name: Asclepias cryptoceras ssp. cryptoceras

Family: Asclepiadaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Asclepias cryptoceras: Jewel Milkweed and More

Asclepias cryptoceras is a fascinating species of milkweed known by several common names, including jewel milkweed, pallid milkweed, and Humboldt Mountains milkweed.

Considerations for Pets and Children

  • This plant is a milkweed, suggesting the presence of milky sap.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Asclepias cryptoceras S. Watson
  • Family: Apocynaceae (Dogbane Family), formerly Asclepiadaceae (Milkweed Family)
  • Kingdom: Plantae
  • Taxonomic Rank: Species; subspecies (e.g., Asclepias cryptoceras S. Watson ssp. cryptoceras)
  • Synonyms: Asclepias cryptoceras ssp. davisii, Asclepias cryptoceras var. davisii, Asclepias davisii
  • Common Names: Jewel Milkweed, Pallid Milkweed, Humboldt Milkweed, Humboldt Mountains Milkweed, Davis' Milkweed

Distribution and Habitat

  • Asclepias cryptoceras is found in western regions.
  • It thrives in semi-desert environments, including sandy and shrubland habitats.
  • One documented location is Capitol Reef National Park in Utah.
  • Often found in dry, rocky slopes in canyons and hills.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Asclepias cryptoceras is a perennial herb.
  • It reaches a height of approximately 3.9 inches to 1 foot (1 to 3 dm).
  • The leaves are opposite, simple, and broad, ranging from 0.8 to 4.6 inches (2 to 11.5 cm) in length.

Ecological Role

  • Asclepias cryptoceras serves as a host plant for monarch caterpillars.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • It is a crucial resource for monarch butterflies, with monarch caterpillars exclusively feeding on milkweed.
  • The plant attracts butterflies.

Resources and Further Information

  • Dave's Garden: A community for sharing gardening tips and ideas.
  • Discover Life: Provides information on the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Asclepias cryptoceras.
  • USDA Plants Database: Offers information related to Asclepias cryptoceras.
  • Encyclopedia of Life: Contains information on the family Apocynaceae.
  • CalPhotos: Features photos of Asclepias cryptoceras.