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pineland milkweed
Scientific Name: Asclepias obovata
Family: Asclepiadaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Forb/herb
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Pineland Milkweed (Asclepias obovata)
Considerations for Pets
- Milkweed is named for its milky sap, which consists of a latex containing alkaloids and several other complex substances.
Considerations for Children
- Milkweed is named for its milky sap, which consists of a latex containing alkaloids and several other complex substances.
Common Names
- Pineland Milkweed
- Florida Milkweed
- Savannah Milkweed
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Asclepias obovata Elliott
- Family: Asclepiadaceae (Milkweed Family)
- Synonym: Asclepias viridiflora Raf. var. obovata (Elliot) Torr.
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to Texas, Florida, Oklahoma, and other southeastern states.
- Found in low pinelands, savannahs, margins of cypress swamps, and seasonally moist prairies and pine savannas.
- Rare in some habitats, such as South Florida and the Bahamas.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Leaves are opposite and linear.
- Flowers are white with maroon centers and tinting, lacking horns.
- Flower season is spring.
- Growth habit is forb/herb.
- Perennial plant.
Ecological Role
- Milkweed is the sole food source for Monarch caterpillars. Monarch butterflies also sip nectar from the flowers.
- Essential for the survival of Monarch butterflies, as Monarch caterpillars will only eat milkweed.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- A major source of nectar for insects.
- Host plant for Monarch caterpillars, stimulating egg-laying.
Further Information
- Discover Life: Biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Asclepias obovata.
- Southeasternflora.com
- University of Georgia