Family: Apocynaceae
Author: Torr.
Bibliography: Ann. Lyceum Nat. Hist. New York 2: 218 (1827)
Year: 1827
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Asclepias
Vegetable: False
Observations: W. & C. Canada to W. & C. U.S.A.
Description
Greek milkweed, scientifically known as Asclepias speciosa, is a striking species belonging to the family Apocynaceae. First described by Torr. in 1827 in the Annals of the Lyceum of Natural History of New York, this plant has a long-standing recognition within the botanical community. Greek milkweed is distinguished by its robust, upright stems that can grow to impressive heights, often reaching up to 1.5 meters. The plant is adorned with large, oblong leaves, which provide a lush backdrop to its most notable feature—its showy, star-shaped flowers.
These flowers are a vivid spectacle, usually displaying a palette of pink and purple hues that attract a host of pollinators, particularly monarch butterflies. The nectar-rich blooms not only add ornamental value to gardens but also play a crucial role in supporting local ecosystems by providing essential resources for pollinators.
Greek milkweed is native to a wide geographical range, thriving in various habitats from Western and Central Canada down to the Western and Central regions of the United States. It is often found in fields, meadows, and along roadsides, preferring well-drained soils and areas with ample sunlight. Despite its preference for sunny locales, Asclepias speciosa is a hardy species, capable of tolerating a range of environmental conditions, which contributes to its widespread distribution.
Aside from its ecological importance, Greek milkweed can also serve as a beautiful and functional addition to home gardens. It is relatively low maintenance and can be a sturdy perennial in the right conditions. Gardeners value it not only for its aesthetic appeal but also for its role in promoting biodiversity.
In summary, Asclepias speciosa or Greek milkweed, is more than just a plant; it is a vital component of its native habitats, supporting wildlife and adding beauty to the landscapes across its natural range. Its historical documentation dating back to the early 19th century underscores its enduring significance in both natural and cultivated settings.
Common Names
Eng: greek milkweed, showy milkweed
Deu: pracht-seidenpflanze
Swe: praktsidenört
Fra: belle asclépiade
En: Greek milkweed, Showy milkweed
Fr: Belle asclépiade
De: Pracht-Seidenpflanze
Sv: Praktsidenört
Synonyms
- Asclepias longicornis (Kellogg)
- Asclepias giffordii (Eastw.)
- Asclepias douglasii (Hook.)
Distribution
- Alberta (native)
- Arizona (native)
- British Columbia (native)
- California (native)
- Colorado (native)
- Idaho (native)
- Illinois (native)
- Iowa (native)
- Kansas (native)
- Manitoba (native)
- Michigan (native)
- Minnesota (native)
- Montana (native)
- Nebraska (native)
- Nevada (native)
- New Mexico (native)
- North Dakota (native)
- Oklahoma (native)
- Oregon (native)
- Saskatchewan (native)
- South Dakota (native)
- Texas (native)
- Utah (native)
- Washington (native)
- Wisconsin (native)
- Wyoming (native)
- Baltic States (introduced)
Additional Images
Fruit
Taken Aug 27, 2020 by A A (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 24, 2019 by Cran Berry (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 17, 2022 by Danielle Danielle Bougie (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 10, 2021 by Bryan Pruett (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 9, 2021 by Charlotte Weddington (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Jun 17, 2021 by Vann Ellerbruch (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 2, 2020 by Ashley Ashley (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 6, 2019 by Julie Scott (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 5, 2020 by Fabien Cayla (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 12, 2022 by Emeline (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Dec 1, 1998 by EOL − Charles Webber (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jun 22, 2013 by EOL − Jim Morefield (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jun 25, 2015 by EOL − davidself (cc-by-nc)
Taken Aug 22, 2021 by S M (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 12, 2022 by Emeline (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Oct 17, 2022 by Sylvie Landry (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 2, 2022 by drew mills (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 14, 2021 by Audrey R (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 8, 2020 by ruby mehta (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 12, 2022 by Emeline (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Other
Taken Jul 9, 2019 by val (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 16, 2021 by Villena Rojas Marcelo (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 15, 2019 by caitlin (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 20, 2019 by Dieter (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Dec 6, 2008 by EOL − Steve Matson (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jul 12, 2013 by EOL − scottmo (cc-by-nc)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3170260)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:94654-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Asclepias speciosa Torr.)
Specifications
Growth form: Single Crown
Growth habit: Forb/herb
Growth rate: Moderate
Growth
Ph maximum: 7.0
Ph minimum: 5.0