Native Plants

Plant Database

Search for native plants by scientific name, common name or family. If you are not sure what you are looking for, try the Combination Search or our Recommended Species lists.

Enter a Plant Name:
Or you can choose a plant family:

Richardson, Charmaine

Asclepias asperula ssp. capricornu

Asclepias asperula (Decne.) Woodson ssp. capricornu (Woodson) Woodson

Antelope-horns, Antelope Horns, Antelope Horns Milkweed

Asclepiadaceae (Milkweed Family)

Synonym(s): Asclepias asperula var. decumbens, Asclepias capricornu, Asclepias capricornu ssp. occidentalis, Asclepias decumbens, Asclepiodora decumbens

USDA Symbol: ASASC

USDA Native Status: L48 (N)

"Stems partly decumbent or low-spreading, 10-60 cm long, minutely pubescent or largely glabrous; petioles 2-7 mm long; corolla lobes pale yellowish green, sometimes purple-tinged; gynostegium greenish cream to dark purple; hoods widespreading, without horns." (Bibref 281)

"The common name Antelope-horns is said to come from the curved fruits.

Reportedly poisonous to livestock." (Bibref 281)

From the Image Gallery

81 photo(s) available in the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Herb
Root Type: Tap
Leaf Arrangement: Alternate , Opposite
Leaf Shape: Lanceolate , Linear
Leaf Margin: Entire
Leaf Apex: Acuminate
Breeding System: Flowers Bisexual
Inflorescence: Terminal
Fruit Type: Follicle
Size Notes: Stems up to about 2 feet long.
Leaf: Leaves irregularly grouped. Often opposite or near opposite on proximal portion of stem, alternate distally.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: Yellow , Green
Bloom Time: Mar , Apr , May , Jun , Jul , Aug , Sep , Oct
Bloom Notes: Hood-shaped, greenish-cream color. Flowers heavily in spring, sporadically summer through fall. May flower whenever conditions are right.

Distribution

USA: KS , NE , NM , OK , TX
Native Habitat: "Rocky or sandy prairies; Blackland Prairie w to Rolling Plains and Edwards Plateau." (Bibref 281)

Growing Conditions

Water Use: Medium
Light Requirement: Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Moist

Benefit

Use Wildlife: Larval host for Monarch Butterflies and Queen Butterflies.
Warning: All plants in the genus Asclepias are probably somewhat toxic, some fatally so, to both humans and animals. The sap of some causes skin irritation in humans. Sensitivity to a toxin varies with a person�s age, weight, physical condition, and individual susceptibility. Children are most vulnerable because of their curiosity and small size. Toxicity can vary in a plant according to season, the plant�s different parts, and its stage of growth; and plants can absorb toxic substances, such as herbicides, pesticides, and pollutants from the water, air, and soil.
Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Attracts: Butterflies
Larval Host: Monarch Butterfly, Queen Butterfly
Nectar Source: yes
Deer Resistant: High
Poisonous: yes

Value to Beneficial Insects

Special Value to Native Bees
Special Value to Bumble Bees
Special Value to Honey Bees
Supports Conservation Biological Control

This information was provided by the Pollinator Program at The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation.

From the National Organizations Directory

According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center - Austin, TX

Wildflower Center Seed Bank

LBJWC-40 Collected 2002-05-25 in Travis County by Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

1 collection(s) available in the Wildflower Center Seed Bank

Bibliography

Bibref 281 - Shinners & Mahler's Illustrated Flora of North Central Texas (1999) Diggs, G. M.; B. L. Lipscomb; B. O'Kennon; W. F...

Search More Titles in Bibliography

Additional resources

USDA: Find Asclepias asperula ssp. capricornu in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Asclepias asperula ssp. capricornu in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Asclepias asperula ssp. capricornu

Metadata

Record Modified: 2022-04-30
Research By: TWC Staff, NH

Go back