Native Plant Database

From the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Herb
Root Type: Tap
Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Leaf Complexity: Simple
Size Class: 1-3 ft.
Leaf Shape: Lanceolate
Leaf Venation: Pinnately Veined
Leaf Pubescence: Puberulent
Leaf Margin: Entire
Leaf Apex: Emarginate
Leaf Base: Truncate
Breeding System: Hermaphroditic
Size Notes: 1 - 3
Leaf Color: Green
Flower Size: 8 mm

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: Green
Bloom Time: Apr , May , Jun , Jul , Aug , Sep
Bloom Notes: Flowers details are beautiful in how they are arranged in the cluster

Distribution

USA: AL , AR , FL , GA , IL , IN , KS , KY , LA , MS , MO , NE , OH , OK , SC , TN , TX , WV
Native Habitat: This plant can be found on roadsides or in prairies all over the state of Texas. The plant can live in dry, limestone soil without much water and can still produce showy, globe-like flowers. Listed as endangered in Indiana (USDA)
USDA Native Status: L48(N)

Growing Conditions

Water Use: Low
Light Requirement: Sun
Soil Moisture: Moist
Cold Tolerant: yes
Heat Tolerant: yes
Conditions Comments: This is another member of the milkweed family that certain butterflies love. It can be found growing in rich or poor soils and blooms off and on over ther growing season through the end of summer. Has a spreading, open growth form. Requires little water and full sun.

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
Fragrant Flowers: yes
Attracts: Butterflies
Nectar Source: yes
Deer Resistant: High

Propagation

Propagation Material: Seeds
Commercially Avail: yes

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Mr. Smarty Plants says

Question: I am a teacher in San Augustine, Texas (which is in the Eastern Pineywoods region). I have started an outdoor classroom/schoolyard habitat at our school. We are in the process of planning our plant selection and I am overwhelmed. I need to have several raised beds with themes but I am trying to stay native (for NWF and TPW certification) as well as please my administration by having a very pretty garden. I have several lists of native plants but I am struggling with knowing what will satisfy my requirements of type as well as my administrations requirements of beauty. My two largest beds will be the following (all beds will have purchased landscapers mix for soil and will be irrigated by drip lines): butterfly/hummingbird garden (20' x 40')(which I am going to try and get certified as a monarch waystation. (monarchwatch.org) east texas native bed (20' x 65') Any help that you could pass my way would be greatly appreciated.
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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
Texas Discovery Gardens - Dallas, TX
Stengl Biological Research Station - Smithville, TX

Bibliography

* Wildflowers of Texas (2003) Ajilvsgi, Geyata.
* Wildflowers of the Texas Hill Country (1989) Enquist, M.

Search More Titles in Bibliography

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