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woolly milkweed

Scientific Name: Asclepias vestita

Family: Asclepiadaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Woolly Milkweed (Asclepias vestita)

Woolly Milkweed, scientifically known as Asclepias vestita Hook. &amp Arn., is a fascinating plant with notable ecological significance. It belongs to the milkweed family and plays a vital role in supporting monarch butterflies.

Considerations for Pets

  • Milkweed is named for its milky sap, which consists of a latex containing alkaloids and several other complex compounds.

Scientific Classification

  • Scientific Name: Asclepias vestita Hook. &amp Arn.
  • Common Name: Woolly Milkweed
  • Family: Apocynaceae (Dogbane) (also previously classified under Asclepiadaceae)
  • Synonyms: Mentions Asclepias lanuginosa, though these may refer to distinct species or variations. The text also references Asclepias vestita Hook. &amp Arn. ssp. parishii (Jeps.) Woodson.

Distribution and Habitat

  • Asclepias vestita is endemic to California.
  • It grows in many habitats across California.
  • Other species such as Asclepias lanuginosa are found in areas like Minnesota and Illinois.
  • It can be found in dry deserts and plains.

Ecological Role

  • Milkweed is crucial for monarch butterflies, as female monarchs exclusively lay their eggs on milkweed plants.
  • It serves as a host plant for monarch caterpillars.
  • Loss of milkweed due to shifting land management practices has negatively impacted monarch butterfly populations.
  • Bees seek nectar from the plant.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Flowers are arranged in round clusters of pale green to creamy white.
  • Flowers are small, about 1/3 inch long with 5 petals.
  • Some species like Asclepias lanuginosa grow to about 8 inches tall and have hairy leaves and stem.
  • It is a gray-green sprawling perennial.

Quirky Facts

  • The plant gets its common name, "woolly milkweed," from a characteristic feature, though the text doesn't explicitly describe what makes it "woolly."

Additional Information

  • View Woolly milkweed observations on iNaturalist.
  • View Woolly milkweed plant information at Wildflower.org.
  • Woolly Milkweed (Asclepias lanuginosa) information from the Endangered Resces Program.
  • CalPhotos: click on a photo to see it bigger.
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