Green comet milkweed (Asclepias viridiflora, Med. Repos. 2(5): 360 (1808))

Family: Apocynaceae

Author: Raf.

Bibliography: Med. Repos. 2(5): 360 (1808)

Year: 1808

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Asclepias

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: Canada, WC. & E. U.S.A. to NE. Mexico

Description

Green comet milkweed, scientifically referred to as Asclepias viridiflora, is a fascinating member of the Apocynaceae family. First described in 1808 in Med. Repos. 2(5): 360 by the botanist Raf., this plant has carved out a unique niche within North America.

Found predominantly in Canada, as well as the eastern and west-central regions of the United States extending down into northeastern Mexico, Green comet milkweed thrives under diverse climatic conditions. Its ability to adapt to various geographical locations showcases its resilience and ecological importance.

The Green comet milkweed is part of a larger group known for their critical role in supporting pollinators, particularly monarch butterflies. The plant’s greenish flowers, which exude a subtle charm, are not only visually appealing but also serve an important ecological function. Asclepias species, in general, are recognized for their medicinal and ecological benefits, and Asclepias viridiflora is no exception.

Its inclusion in the Apocynaceae family places it among a group of plants known for their often complex chemical compositions, which can range from being therapeutic to toxic. Historically, various parts of milkweeds have been utilized in traditional medicine, although caution is advised due to the potent compounds they contain.

In summation, the Green comet milkweed is a species of notable significance both for its ecological contribution and its fascinating botanical characteristics. Its widespread distribution from Canada through the United States and into Mexico highlights its adaptability and integral role in maintaining healthy ecosystems.

Common Names

Eng: green antelopehorn milkweed, green comet milkweed, green milkweed, green-flowered milkweed, short green milkweed
Fra: asclépiade à fleurs vertes
En: Green comet milkweed, GREEN MILKWEED, Greencomet milkweed, Green antelopehorn milkweed, Green-flowered milkweed, Short green milkweed
Zh: 長柄馬利筋
Fr: Asclépiade à fleurs vertes
Zh-tw: 長柄馬利筋

Synonyms

• Acerates ivesii (Wooton & Standl.)
• Asclepias lanceolata (E.Ives)
• Asclepias viridiflora var. lanceolata (Torr.)
• Acerates viridiflora var. lanceolata ((Torr.) A.Gray)
• Acerates viridiflora var. ivesii (Britton)
• Polyotus heterophyllus (Nutt.)
• Otanema ovata (Raf.)
• Asclepias viridiflora var. pubescentitomentosa (Hook.)
• Acerates viridiflora ((Raf.) Eaton)
• Acerates bifida (Rusby ex A.Gray)
• Gomphocarpus viridiflorus ((Raf.) Spreng.)

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Alberta (native)
• Arizona (native)
• Arkansas (native)
• British Columbia (native)
• Colorado (native)
• Connecticut (native)
• Delaware (native)
• District of Columbia (native)
• Florida (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Iowa (native)
• Kansas (native)
• Kentucky (native)
• Louisiana (native)
• Manitoba (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Minnesota (native)
• Mississippi (native)
• Missouri (native)
• Montana (native)
• Nebraska (native)
• New Jersey (native)
• New Mexico (native)
• New York (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• North Dakota (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Oklahoma (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• Saskatchewan (native)
• South Carolina (native)
• South Dakota (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Texas (native)
• Virginia (native)
• West Virginia (native)
• Wisconsin (native)
• Wyoming (native)

Additional Images

Fruit

Taken Aug 16, 2014 by EOL − Erin Faulkner (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jul 15, 2014 by EOL − andy (cc-by-nc)

Taken Sep 14, 2021 by Valeriy Valeriy (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 3, 2020 by rox fey (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 23, 2021 by Christian Kotara (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jun 8, 2020 by ruby mehta (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 22, 2021 by Kathy Pivato (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 3, 2020 by rox fey (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 31, 2021 by Vee Pom (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 16, 2020 by erin marshall (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Jun 19, 2019 by Alissa AMT (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 16, 2015 by EOL − Hilary Casey (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jun 10, 2020 by Schofield Leo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 15, 2019 by Casey Riggs (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 11, 2021 by S (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Feb 16, 2015 by EOL − John (cc-by-nc)

Taken Apr 21, 2015 by EOL − RJ Taylor (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 23, 2015 by EOL − Jim Varnum (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 8, 2015 by EOL − Miranda Kersten (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 2, 2015 by EOL − Melanie Schuchart (cc-by-nc)

Bark

Taken Jul 16, 2015 by EOL − Hilary Casey (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jul 22, 2014 by EOL − schock1 (cc-by-nc)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:1167930-2)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3170313)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Asclepias viridiflora Raf.)

Specifications

Growth