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Rolfs' milkweed

Scientific Name: Asclepias tuberosa ssp. rolfsii

Family: Asclepiadaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Asclepias tuberosa and Subspecies: A Deep Dive

This page provides information about Asclepias tuberosa, commonly known as Butterfly Milkweed, and particularly focuses on the subspecies Asclepias tuberosa subsp. rolfsii, or Rolfs' Milkweed.

Considerations for Pets

  • Milkweed plants, in general, are known to contain substances that might be harmful if ingested.

Considerations for Children

  • Milkweed plants, in general, are known to contain substances that might be harmful if ingested.

Nomenclature and Taxonomy

  • Scientific Name: Asclepias tuberosa L.
  • Subspecies: Asclepias tuberosa subsp. rolfsii (Britton ex Vail) Woodson
  • Common Names: Butterfly Milkweed, Butterfly Weed, Pleurisy Root, Indian Paintbrush, Rolfs' Milkweed, Yellowmilkweed, Orangemilkweed
  • Family: Asclepiadaceae
  • Kingdom: Plantae
  • Taxonomic Rank: Subspecies
  • Synonym: Asclepias rolfsii Britton ex Vail

Distribution and Habitat

  • Asclepias tuberosa is native to eastern North America.
  • Asclepias tuberosa subsp. rolfsii, Rolfs' Milkweed, is specifically found in the Southeastern United States, including Florida and Mississippi.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Asclepias tuberosa rolfsii looks similar to the Lanceolate milkweed (Asclepias lanceolata).
  • Rolfs Milkweed bears very harsh temperatures, and therefore it can be grown outdoors without feeling endangered by low temperatures.

Ecological Role and Interactions

  • Milkweed plants, including Asclepias tuberosa and its subspecies, are essential host plants for Monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus). Monarch caterpillars feed on milkweed leaves.
  • The text mentions the importance of planting native milkweeds to help conserve Monarch butterflies.

Quirky Facts

  • One of the common names, "Pleurisy Root," hints at a possible historical use, although the text does not elaborate.