Green Milkweed
(Asclepias viridiflora)
Green Milkweed (Asclepias viridiflora)
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Todd Eiben
Public Domain
Image By:
Todd Eiben
Recorded By:
Copyright:
Public Domain
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Todd Eiben | License Type: Public Domain | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/ | Rights Holder: Todd Eiben | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2019-07-27T12:53:43-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Asclepias viridiflora, commonly known as Green Milkweed, is a deciduous perennial herb native to the tallgrass prairies and open woodlands of the Central and Eastern USA, as well as parts of Canada. It typically grows to a height of 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters) and a width of 1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters). This species is characterized by its upright stems and clusters of small, intricate flowers that exhibit a unique blend of yellow, green, and pink hues, blooming in the summer months. The flowers are modestly showy and attract a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies.
Green Milkweed is valued for its role in supporting butterfly populations, particularly as a host plant for monarch caterpillars. It is also appreciated for its drought tolerance and is often used in native plant gardens, prairie restorations, and wildlife habitats. In cultivation, it requires full sun exposure and can adapt to a range of soil conditions, though it prefers well-drained soils. While generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to root rot in overly wet conditions. Green Milkweed does not have aggressive roots, making it a good choice for garden plantings.CC BY-SA 4.0
Green Milkweed is valued for its role in supporting butterfly populations, particularly as a host plant for monarch caterpillars. It is also appreciated for its drought tolerance and is often used in native plant gardens, prairie restorations, and wildlife habitats. In cultivation, it requires full sun exposure and can adapt to a range of soil conditions, though it prefers well-drained soils. While generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to root rot in overly wet conditions. Green Milkweed does not have aggressive roots, making it a good choice for garden plantings.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 2-3 feet
- Width: 1-2 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Green, Yellow
- Flowering Season: Summer
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Medium, Slow
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Fragrant, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Water Garden
Natural Habitat
Tallgrass prairies and open woodlands
Other Names
Common Names: Green Comet Milkweed , Green-Flowered Milkweed , Short Green Milkweed , Green-Flower Milkweed , Asclépiade À Fleurs Vertes
Scientific Names: Asclepias viridiflora , Asclepias viridiflora var. lanceolata , Acerates viridiflora , Asclepias viridiflora var. linearis , Asclepias viridiflora var. viridiflora , Acerates bifida , Acerates viridiflora var. lanceolata , Acerates viridiflora var. linearis , Acerates ivesii , Acerates lanceolata
GBIF Accepted Name: Asclepias viridiflora Raf.