SafePlants

Asclepias uncialis: Wheel Milkweed

Asclepias uncialis, commonly known as Wheel Milkweed, is a fascinating plant species belonging to the dogbane family. This diminutive milkweed, also referred to as Dwarf Milkweed or Greene Milkweed, presents unique characteristics and plays a vital role in its native ecosystem.

Considerations for Pets

• This milkweed species is named for its milky sap, which contains latex with alkaloids and other complex compounds.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Asclepias uncialis Greene
• Common Name: Wheel Milkweed, Dwarf Milkweed, Greene Milkweed
• Family: Dogbane family (Apocynaceae, formerly Asclepiadaceae)
• Rank: Species
• Subspecies: Asclepias uncialis Greene subsp. uncialis

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to the western United States.
• Specifically found in Colorado, Oklahoma, Texas, Arizona, and New Mexico.
• Prefers sandy or rocky prairies.

Morphological Characteristics

• A small, herbaceous perennial plant.
• Features several to many spreading or erect stems.
• Whitish flowers and uniformly filiform (thread-like) leaves.

Additional Information

• Asclepias uncialis is a forb/herb, meaning it's a non-woody plant that is not a grass.
• Bloom Time: Later blooming period (July onwards)

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Milkweeds are the primary food source for Monarch butterfly larvae.
• Various insects, such as the Wheel Bug (Arilus cristatus) interact with milkweed.

Resources and Further Information

• View Wheel Milkweed observations on iNaturalist.
• Find Wheel Milkweed plant information at Wildflower.org.
• Discover Life provides details on the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Asclepias uncialis.
• Detailed maps of milkweed distribution in Oklahoma may be available at the Kerr Center.
• Asclepias uncialis Greene (wheel milkweed) information may be found in the UCSU Colorado State University Islandora Repository.