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Asclepias texana
Asclepias texana A. Heller
Texas Milkweed, White Milkweed
Asclepiadaceae (Milkweed Family)
Synonym(s):
USDA Symbol: ASTE
USDA Native Status: L48 (N)
"Stems erect, to ca. 50 cm tall, with inconspicuous pubescence in lines; leaf blades lanceolate to broadly ovate, 20-70 cm long, to 35 mm wide; inflorescences solitary at the uppermost nodes; flowers showy; corolla lobes white, ca. 3 mm long; gynostegium white; hoods with horns; follicles erect, 9-12 cm long; seeds ca. 8 mm long, with a white coma to ca. 20 mm long." (Bibref 281)
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Herb
Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Leaf Complexity: Simple
Leaf Margin: Entire
Inflorescence: Umbel
Fruit Type: Follicle
Size Notes: Up to about 2 feet tall.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: WhiteBloom Time: May , Jun , Jul , Aug , Sep
Distribution
USA: TXNative Habitat: Woodlands' edge, Opening, Ditches, Ravines, Depressions, Stream, river banks
Growing Conditions
Water Use: LowLight Requirement: Sun
Soil Moisture: Dry
Soil pH: Acidic (pH<6.8)
Soil Description: Sandy, Sandy Loam, Gravelly
Benefit
Use Ornamental: Blooms ornamentalUse Wildlife: Nectar-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
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.
Propagation
Propagation Material: SeedsNational Wetland Indicator Status
Region: | AGCP | AK | AW | CB | EMP | GP | HI | MW | NCNE | WMVE |
Status: | FACU | FACU |
From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:Fredericksburg Nature Center - Fredericksburg, TX
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center - Austin, TX
Texas Discovery Gardens - Dallas, TX
NPSOT - Austin Chapter - Austin, TX
NPSOT - Williamson County Chapter - Georgetown, TX
Bibliography
Bibref 765 - McMillen's Texas Gardening: Wildflowers (1998) Howard, D.Bibref 281 - Shinners & Mahler's Illustrated Flora of North Central Texas (1999) Diggs, G. M.; B. L. Lipscomb; B. O'Kennon; W. F...
Bibref 286 - Wildflowers of the Texas Hill Country (1989) Enquist, M.
Search More Titles in Bibliography
Additional resources
USDA: Find Asclepias texana in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Asclepias texana in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Asclepias texana
Metadata
Record Modified: 2017-08-08Research By: TWC Staff, NH