Etymology: Asclepias: named for the Greek god of healing Asklepios
Plants: erect, perennial, 3'-6' tall forb, milky juice; mostly single, stout, hairy stems; colony-forming roots
Leaves: thick, elliptical to oblong, softly hairy, stalked
Flowers: pink to cream, 5-parted, 3/8"-5/8" tall, with the short, inwardly-curved horns shorter than the pale purple hoods; inflorescence several, densely-flowered, stalked, drooping umbels; blooms June-Aug.
Fruits: large, rough pods held erect on downwardly-pointing stalks; many seeds with silky hairs
Habitat: full to partial sun; dry to wet; meadows, fields, prairies; in sandy, loamy soil
Hazardous: Careful, this plant is hazardous!
Conservation Status: Native

Floristic Rating: Coefficient of Conservatism = 1 Atlas of the Wisconsin Prairie and Savanna Flora: by T.S. Cochrane & H.H. Iltis: habitat, distribution infomation / flowering and fruiting times Invasive And Exotic Species of North America: Descriptions, management issues, warnings, photos, 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. USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS): Images of seeds, fruits, embryos, etc. Illinois Wildflowers: Wonderful photographs; detailed descriptions; color and leaf arrangement key