Family: Apocynaceae
butterfly milkweed, butterfly-weed, orange milkweed
Janice Stiefel
Etymology: Asclepias: named for the Greek god of healing Asklepios
Plants: weakly-erect perennial, 1'-3' tall forb; juice not milky; stems coarsely hairy, single or with many upper branches
Leaves: many, alternate (opposite on the branches), linear to lance-like, usually widest below the middle, tapering gradually to the tip
Flowers: orange to yellow, 5-parted, 3/8"-2/3" tall;
inflorescence usually several, erect umbels; blooms July-Sept.
Fruits: pods with many seeds on silky hairs
Habitat: full sun; dry to moderate moisture; inland sands, prairies, woods; in sandy, loamy soil
Hazardous: Careful, this plant is hazardous!
Conservation Status: Native
Plants: weakly-erect perennial, 1'-3' tall forb; juice not milky; stems coarsely hairy, single or with many upper branches
Leaves: many, alternate (opposite on the branches), linear to lance-like, usually widest below the middle, tapering gradually to the tip
Flowers: orange to yellow, 5-parted, 3/8"-2/3" tall;
inflorescence usually several, erect umbels; blooms July-Sept.Fruits: pods with many seeds on silky hairs
Habitat: full sun; dry to moderate moisture; inland sands, prairies, woods; in sandy, loamy soil
Hazardous: Careful, this plant is hazardous!
Conservation Status: Native
Floristic Rating: Coefficient of Conservatism = 6 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 Purple Sage - Ethnobotanical Information: Detailed usage, preparation, and other helpful information Southwest School of Botanical Medicine: Britton & Brown Illustrated Flora - 2nd Edition (1913) "An Illustrated Flora of the Northern United States and Canada"
