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Asclepias variegata
Asclepias variegata L.
Redring Milkweed, White-flowered Milkweed
Asclepiadaceae (Milkweed Family)
Synonym(s): Biventraria variegata
USDA Symbol: ASVA
USDA Native Status: L48 (N), CAN (N)
Small white flowers with purplish centers crowded into round, terminal clusters. The umbels have 30+/- white flowers that create a spherical white ball, a snowball-effect, which contrasts with its green foliage. It thrives in open woodland and woodland edge habitats and requires some shade.
The stem of this plant has the milky sap typical of most milkweeds. The species name describes the bicolored flowers, which are quite showy in masses. Endangered in CT, NY, PA.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Herb
Leaf Arrangement: Opposite
Leaf Shape: Oval
Fruit Type: Follicle
Size Notes: 1-4 ft (30-121 cm).
Leaf: Leaf arrangement is opposite and attachment is petiolate. Leaves oval, 2-6 in (5-15 cm) long and 1/2-3 in (1-7 cm) wide, generally thick with the upper side hairless and dark and the underside a lighter color with hair.
Flower: Color is white with purple tinge at the base of the corolla and hoods. Horns protrude out of the hoods. Corolla flexes backward. Flowers buds at first are green, but turn white before blossoming. Umbels erect and spherical with 30 +/- flowers.
Fruit: Fruit stands erect and are a brown to reddish color.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: White , PurpleBloom Time: May , Jun , Jul
Distribution
USA: AL , AR , CT , DC , DE , FL , GA , IL , IN , KY , LA , MD , MO , MS , NC , NJ , NY , OH , OK , PA , SC , TN , TX , VA , WVNative Distribution: New York and Connecticut south to Florida, west to Texas and Oklahoma, and northeast to Illinois and Ohio.
Native Habitat: Dry or rocky woods, sandy open ground, ravine bottoms, low woods, slopes, ridges, roadsides.
Growing Conditions
Water Use: LowLight Requirement: Sun , Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Dry
Soil Description: Sandy to rocky.
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 | FACU | 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:Natural Biodiversity - Johnstown, PA
Mt. Cuba Center - Hockessin, DE
Bibliography
Bibref 328 - Wildflowers of Texas (2003) Ajilvsgi, Geyata.Search More Titles in Bibliography
Additional resources
USDA: Find Asclepias variegata in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Asclepias variegata in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Asclepias variegata
Metadata
Record Modified: 2014-11-02Research By: TWC Staff