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Native Plant Database

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Asclepias humistrata (Pinewoods milkweed)
Bransford, W.D. and Dolphia

Asclepias humistrata Walt.

Pinewoods milkweed, Sandhill milkweed

Asclepiadaceae (Milkweed Family)

USDA Symbol: ASHU3

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

The smooth, stout, unbranched stems of this milkweed generally occur in spreading clusters which ascend 1-1 1/2 ft. The spreading habit; 5-10 pairs of broad, clasping leaves; tan-colored flowers buds; a nearly white crown; and erect fruits on drooping pedicels are the perennial’s prominent features. Leaves are distinctly purple-veined and the white flowers sometimes have a touch of lavender.

 

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Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Herb
Root Type: Tap
Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Leaf Arrangement: Opposite
Leaf Complexity: Simple
Leaf Venation: Pinnate
Breeding System: Flowers Bisexual
Inflorescence: Umbel
Leaf: Purplish green
Flower:
Fruit:
Size Class: 1-3 ft.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: White
Bloom Time: Mar , Apr , May , Jun

Distribution

USA: AL , FL , GA , LA , MS , NC , SC
Native Distribution: S.e. LA to FL, n. to NC
Native Habitat: Sand hills; dry, oak woods; pine barrens
USDA Native Status: L48(N)

Growing Conditions

Water Use: Medium
Light Requirement: Sun
Soil Moisture: Dry
Soil Description: Dry, sandy soils.
Conditions Comments: This flower tolerates very hot, dry conditions.

Benefit

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

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.

Propagation

Description: Root cuttings can be taken in fall or early spring. Seeds may be sown outside in late fall or the following spring. Germination of spring-planted seeds is enhanced by moist stratification.
Seed Collection: Not Available
Seed Treatment: Stratify 3 months at 40 degrees.
Commercially Avail: yes

Recommended Species Lists

Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.

View Recommended Species page

Additional resources

USDA: Find Asclepias humistrata in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Asclepias humistrata in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Asclepias humistrata

Metadata

Record Modified: 2007-01-01
Research By: TWC Staff

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