No images found for this plant ID: 4757.
Ensure images are uploaded to the Media Library and tagged with "4757" in the "plant_image_tag" taxonomy.
woolly milkweed
Scientific Name: Asclepias vestita ssp. vestita
Family: Asclepiadaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Forb/herb
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Woolly Milkweed (Asclepias vestita)
Woolly Milkweed, scientifically known as Asclepias vestita Hook. & Arn., is a fascinating plant with a lot to offer for both native ecosystems and the home gardener. Learn more about this species, its characteristics, and its ecological significance below.
Considerations for Pets
- This plant, like other milkweeds, contains a milky sap that consists of a latex containing alkaloids and several other complex compounds.
Scientific Classification
- Scientific Name: Asclepias vestita Hook. & Arn.
- Synonyms: The text also references Asclepias lanuginosa as Woolly Milkweed, however, recent observations indicate these may be distinct species.
- Family: Apocynaceae (Dogbane); formerly Asclepiadaceae
- Taxonomic Rank: Species
- Subspecies: Asclepias vestita Hook. & Arn. ssp. parishii (Jeps.) Woodson
Common Names
- Woolly Milkweed
- Hairy Milkweed
- Side Cluster Milkweed
Distribution and Habitat
- Asclepias vestita is endemic to California, meaning it is not found naturally anywhere else in the world.
- Other references suggest Asclepias lanuginosa (Woolly Milkweed) is found in Minnesota, Illinois and other parts of the Midwest.
- It thrives in a variety of habitats across California.
- Some sources indicate it can be found in dry deserts and plains.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Asclepias lanuginosa is a herb.
- It can be a gray-green sprawling perennial.
- Asclepias lanuginosa grows to about 8 inches tall and has hairy leaves and stem.
- Flowers are pale green to creamy white, forming a round cluster. They are about 1/3 inch long with 5 petals.
Ecological Role
- Milkweed is a crucial host plant for monarch caterpillars, with female monarch butterflies exclusively laying their eggs on milkweed.
- Changing land management practices have led to a significant loss of milkweed, impacting monarch populations.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Bees (long-tongued) Megachilidae (Megachilini): Megachile seek nectar from Asclepias lanuginosa.
- Karner blue butterflies' life cycle coincides with the flowering of Woolly Milkweed in some regions.
Resources and Further Information
- USDA NRCS California Plant Database
- iNaturalist (for observations)
- Wildflower.org
- Endangered Resces Program
- CalPhotos
- Dave's Garden
- The Plant List
- ToL (Tree of Life Web Project)
- BHL (Biodiversity Heritage Library)
- WikiSpecies