Asclepias obovata Elliott

Pineland Milkweed

Herb

Perennial

Vascular

Pineland Milkweed is a native herbaceous perennial in the Dogbane family (Apocynaceae). It can be found in the southern half of Alabama. Pineland Milkweed grows pine woodlands and in sandy oak/pine forests. It is a perennial from a tap root. Stems are from 1-2 feet in height and erect or reclined. The stems are pubescent and green or reddish in color. Leaves are opposite, sessile, elliptic to ovate in outline, and pubescent. Flowers are produced in a 1-3 terminal umbels. Each umbel contains 10-30 yellowish-green to brown-green flowers. The horns are slightly shorter than the hoods and exserted laterally. The fruit is a follicle. All parts of the plant exude a milky white latex sap when injured, and contain cardiac glycosides and resinoids which can be toxic if eaten. Pineland Milkweed plants or seed are sometimes available from native nurseries. They should be sown soon after collection in the area of the garden where they will grow. Stem cuttings taken early in the growing season can also be rooted in moist sand. Dipping the cuttings in rooting hormone will improve success. Pineland Milkweed is a larval host for the Monarch (Danaus plexippus) butterfly.—A. Diamond.

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Native

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