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redring milkweed

Scientific Name: Asclepias variegata

Family: Asclepiadaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names: CT (white milkweed), NY (white milkweed), PA (whit

       

Redring Milkweed (Asclepias variegata)

Considerations for Pets

  • This plant has milky sap, typical of most milkweeds.

Considerations for Children

  • This plant has milky sap, typical of most milkweeds.

Common Names

  • Redring Milkweed
  • White Milkweed
  • White-flowered Milkweed
  • Variegated Milkweed
  • Red-Ring Milkweed

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Family: Apocynaceae (also mentioned as Asclepiadaceae)
  • Genus: Asclepias
  • Species: Asclepias variegata
  • Authority: L. (Linnaeus)
  • Synonyms: White Milkweed (as a common name)
  • Citation: ASCLEPIAS VARIEGATA Linnaeus, Sp .

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to much of the eastern half of the United States.
  • Found in thickets and open woods.
  • Native States: AL, AR
  • Observed blooming in Dorchester Co., Maryland (6/14/2015).

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Herbaceous perennial, growing up to 3 feet tall.
  • Single stem, 1 to 4 [units not specified].
  • Leaves: opposite, elliptic to oval
  • Flowers are bright white with purple/red rings around each flower.
  • Flower Description: Bisexual, Radially symmetrical, 5-merous, 5-lobed
  • Bloom Color: white.
  • Bloom Time: Spring and Summer.

Ecological Role

  • Important for attracting monarch butterflies.
  • Host plant for monarch caterpillars.
  • Thrives in full to partial sun and well-drained, average soil.

Additional Information

  • Sensitive to disturbance and does not transplant well.

Resources

  • View Redring milkweed observations on iNaturalist.
  • View Redring milkweed plant information at Wildflower.org.
  • North Carolina Botanical Garden in Chapel Hill.
  • Discover Life's page.
  • Plant database entry for Redring Milkweed (Asclepias variegata)