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serpentine milkweed
Scientific Name: Asclepias solanoana
Family: Asclepiadaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Forb/herb
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Asclepias solanoana - Serpentine Milkweed
Asclepias solanoana, commonly known as serpentine milkweed, prostrate milkweed, or solanoa, is a rare perennial forb/herb native to California.
Considerations for Pets
- Milkweed is named for its milky juice, which contains alkaloids, latex, and several other complex compounds.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Asclepias solanoana Woodson
- Common Names: Serpentine milkweed, prostrate milkweed, solanoa, Whitestem milkweed
- Family: Asclepiadaceae (Milkweed Family)
- Synonym: Solanoa purpurascens
Distribution and Habitat
- Endemic to the Coast Ranges of California, north of the Bay Area.
- Specifically found in areas such as close to the boundary of the Meadow Club and on Mt. Burdell.
- Prefers serpentine soils, especially in regions from Humboldt and Trinity Counties southward to Sonoma County.
- Observed in chaparral environments.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Perennial plant.
- Prostrate growth habit, meaning it grows along the ground.
- Flowers are pink.
Ecological Role
- Serpentine milkweed is associated with serpentine soils and chaparral shrublands.
- It is a crucial food source for Monarch caterpillars, as milkweed is the only plant they will consume.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Serves as the sole food source for Monarch caterpillars.
- Red milkweed beetles (Tetraopes tetrophthalmus) may be found mating on milkweed plants.
Further Information
- View observations on iNaturalist.
- Find plant information at Wildflower.
- Consult Dave's Garden for tips and ideas.
- Discover Life provides information on biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution.
- California Native Plant Society.