Etymology: Asclepias: named for the Greek god of healing Asklepios
Plants: erect to drooping, perennial forb often falling over, 12"-32" tall, downy, milky juice, single stems
Leaves: lance-like to linear or broadly oblong, rough edges, stalkless, downy beneath
Flowers: greenish to white, 5-parted, 1/3"-1/2" tall, thinly-oblong hoods directly connected to the petals, no horns; inflorescence several, densely-flowered, mostly stalkless, drooping umbels; blooms June-Aug.
Fruits: pods with many seeds on silky hairs
Habitat: dry; prairies, woods, inland sands, barrens; in sandy soil
Hazardous: Careful, this plant is hazardous!
Conservation Status: Native

Floristic Rating: Coefficient of Conservatism = 9 Atlas of the Wisconsin Prairie and Savanna Flora: by T.S. Cochrane & H.H. Iltis: habitat, distribution infomation / flowering and fruiting times USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos Dan Tenaglia's The Missouri Flora: Fabulous photographs; detailed descriptions; color and leave arrangement key. Illinois Wildflowers: Wonderful photographs; detailed descriptions; color and leaf arrangement key