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slim milkweed

Scientific Name: Asclepias linearis

Family: Asclepiadaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Subshrub, Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Asclepias linearis: Slim Milkweed

Asclepias linearis, commonly known as Slim Milkweed, is a fascinating plant belonging to the milkweed family. It's known for its importance to monarch butterflies and its distinctive appearance.

Considerations for Pets

  • Slim Milkweed contains a milky sap, a latex containing alkaloids and other complex compounds.

Considerations for Children

  • Slim Milkweed contains a milky sap, a latex containing alkaloids and other complex compounds.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Asclepias linearis Scheele
  • Common Name: Slim Milkweed
  • Family: Asclepiadaceae (Milkweed Family)
  • Group: Dicot
  • Synonyms: Asclepias linearis Carr, Asclepias linearis Scheele

Distribution and Habitat

  • Asclepias linearis is native to the US and found in Texas (TX).
  • It thrives in grass and sand pastures.

Ecological Role

  • Slim Milkweed is an essential host plant for monarch butterfly caterpillars.
  • It supports a diversity of insects.

Morphological Characteristics

  • It is a subshrub forb/herb.
  • Slim Milkweed is a perennial plant.
  • It grows under 3 feet high.
  • It has very thin leaves.
  • The flowers are greenish-white, 5-parted, and form 1-inch round clusters arising from leaf axils.
  • Seed pods are long and skinny.

Quirky Facts

  • Despite being used by monarchs as a host, a dead caterpillar found on Slim Milkweed demonstrates that they are not entirely immune to its toxins.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Monarch butterflies utilize Slim Milkweed as a host plant for their caterpillars.
  • Assassin nymphs, frequent milkweed visitors, may stab monarch caterpillars.

Further Information

  • iNaturalist: View observations of Slim Milkweed.
  • Wildflower.org: View plant information.
  • Discover Life: Biology, natural history, ecology, identification and distribution information.
  • Dave's Garden: Join a community that shares tips and ideas for gardens, along with seeds and plants.