Asclepias pumila
(Plains Milkweed)
Asclepias pumila, Lory State Park, Larimer Co. 7787
Asclepias pumila, Lory State Park, Larimer Co. 7786
Asclepias pumila, Lory State Park, Larimer Co. 7791
Asclepias pumila, Lory State Park, Larimer Co. 7793
| Scientific Name | Asclepias pumila | USDA PLANTS Symbol | ASPU |
| Common Name | Plains Milkweed, Low Milkweed | ITIS Taxonomic Serial No. | 30295 |
| Family | Apocynaceae (Dogbane) | SEINet Reference |
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| Description |
Life zones and habitat: Plains to foothills (3500 to 6000 ft.); dry, sandy, rocky, calcareous soils in open areas in mixed-grass prairies and roadsides. Plant: Erect perennial with one to several stems arising from a branched base, 3 to 12 inches tall; milky sap. Leaves: Rigid, alternate narrow, linear blades crowded in a tight spiral, often whorled near the base of the stem; blades 7/8 to 2 inches long and 1 mm wide. Inflorescence: One to 12 umbel-like cymes at stem tips or in leaf axils, each with 4 to 20 flowers; flowers are 1/5 to 1/3-inch long with corolla that has 5 white to pinkish reflexed lobes with rounded tips; the corona in the middle has 5 broad white, curved hoods next to the central anther column and pointed horns that are 1-1/2 to 2 times as long as the hoods and arch over the anthers; the calyx below is green to purple with 5 short, pointed lobes. Bloom Period: July to September. References: "Flora of Colorado" by Jennifer Ackerfield, South Dakota State University, Kansas Wildflowers and Grasses and SEINet. |
BONAP Distribution Map Map Color Key |
Colorado Status: Native |
© Tom Lebsack 2024
Banner photo: Castilleja rhexifolia and a brewing storm over the San Juan Mountains