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Bear Mountain milkweed

Scientific Name: Asclepias scaposa

Family: Asclepiadaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Bear Mountain Milkweed (Asclepias scaposa)

Asclepias scaposa, commonly known as Bear Mountain Milkweed, is a forb/herb belonging to the milkweed genus. It is a non-woody plant that is not a grass.

Considerations for Pets

  • Monarch caterpillars feed exclusively on milkweed leaves. This suggests the presence of substances attractive or essential to specific insects.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Asclepias scaposa Vail
  • Common Name: Bear Mountain Milkweed
  • Kingdom: Plantae
  • Family: Apocynaceae (formerly Asclepiadaceae)

Distribution and Habitat

  • Found in hills and mountains.
  • Specific mention of Texas and New Mexico as locations where it grows.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Described as a forb/herb, indicating a non-woody plant.

Ecological Role

  • Monarch butterfly caterpillars use milkweed as their only host plant, emphasizing its critical role in the butterfly's life cycle.

Related Species

  • The text mentions other Asclepias species, including:
    • Asclepias speciosa (Showy Milkweed)
    • Asclepias sperryi (Sperry's Milkweed)
    • Asclepias eriocarpa (Indian Milkweed)
    • Asclepias syriaca (Common Milkweed)
    • Asclepias albicans (Whitestem Milkweed)
    • Asclepias angustifolia (Arizona Milkweed)
    • Asclepias amplexicaulis (Clasping Milkweed)
    • Asclepias arenaria
    • Asclepias feayi (Florida Milkweed)

Further Information

  • USDA PLANTS Database: Provides information on Asclepias scaposa.
  • Discover Life: Offers details on the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Asclepias scaposa.
  • The Plant List: Contains names and details for this taxon.