Butterfly Milkweed
Classification:
Family – Asclepiadaceae, milkweed family
Genus species – Asclepias tuberosa
Leaves:
Leaves are lance-shaped, 2 to 3 inches long, 1 inch wide. Edges of leaves are smooth, often curl downward.
Flowers:
Flowers are bright orange with five petals. Flowers are arranged in large clusters at the end of a stem. Each cluster has 10 to 25 flowers. Flowers produce lots of nectar and are very attractive to butterflies, hence the common name Butterfly Milkweed.
Fruit:
Fruit is an erect pod, 3 to 6 inches long.
Seeds:
Seeds are tufted with white hairs at their tips.
More Information:
The genus name Asclepias is named for the Greek god of healing, Asklepios. The species name tuberosa is from the Latin and refers to the fact that the rhizomes of some plants have tubers.
Photos:Butterfly Milkweed
