Etymology: Asclepias: named for the Greek god of healing Asklepios
Plants: erect, perennial, 16"-40" tall forb, single stem, milky juice
Leaves: many, rough, opposite, linear with pointed tips
Flowers: green to white, 5-parted, 1/4" -1/3" tall, no horns, petals distinctly separated from the hoods, stalk with dense spreading hairs; inflorescence 2-10 dense (30-100 flowers), erect, stalked umbels; blooms June-Aug.
Fruits: pods with many seeds on silky hairs
Habitat: dry; prairies, fields; in sandy soil
Hazardous: Careful, this plant is hazardous!
Conservation Status: Native

Floristic Rating: Coefficient of Conservatism = 7, Wetland Indicator = UPL Atlas of the Wisconsin Prairie and Savanna Flora: by T.S. Cochrane & H.H. Iltis: habitat, distribution infomation / flowering and fruiting times Minnesota Dept. of Natural Resources: Rare Species Guide; description, conservation, photos, maps, etc. 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.