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Asclepias obovata
Asclepias obovata Elliott
Pineland Milkweed
Asclepiadaceae (Milkweed Family)
Synonym(s): Asclepias viridiflora var. obovata
USDA Symbol: ASOB
USDA Native Status: L48 (N)
Perennial herb 6" to 3' in height. Leaves opposite, 1 to 3" in length, 1/2" to 1-1/2" in width, variable, short petiolate. Stems and leaves soft tomentulose. Inflorescenses terminal and axillary, many-flowered. Flowers greenish yellow with orangish tinge. Habitat sandy soils in pine and oak woods; occasionally in field and on roadsides.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Herb
Leaf Arrangement: Opposite
Leaf Complexity: Simple
Leaf Shape: Obovate
Leaf Pubescence: Tomentose
Leaf Margin: Entire
Leaf Apex: Acute
Leaf Base: Rounded , Truncate
Leaf Texture: Leathery
Breeding System: Flowers Bisexual
Inflorescence: Cyme , Umbel
Fruit Type: Follicle
Size Notes: Up to about 3 feet tall. Follicle up to about 5 inches long.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: Orange , Yellow , GreenBloom Time: May , Jun , Jul , Aug , Sep
Distribution
USA: AL , AR , FL , GA , LA , MS , OK , SC , TXNative Distribution: SC south to FL and west to TX, AR and OK.
Native Habitat: Sandy soils in pine and oak forests.
Growing Conditions
Water Use: MediumLight Requirement: Part Shade , Shade
Soil Moisture: Dry , Moist
Soil pH: Acidic (pH<6.8)
Drought Tolerance: Medium
Heat Tolerant: yes
Soil Description: Sandy soils.
Benefit
Warning: All parts poisonous.Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Interesting Foliage: yes
Attracts: Butterflies
Larval Host: Monarch butterfly larval food.
Nectar Source: yes
Value to Beneficial Insects
Special Value to Native BeesSpecial 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.
Bibliography
Bibref 293 - Manual of the Vascular Plants of Texas (1979) Correll, D. S. & M. C. JohnstonSearch More Titles in Bibliography
Additional resources
USDA: Find Asclepias obovata in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Asclepias obovata in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Asclepias obovata
Metadata
Record Modified: 2017-08-16Research By: Joseph A. Marcus