Mexican milkweed (Asclepias fascicularis, A.P.de Candolle, Prodr. 8: 509 (1844))

Family: Apocynaceae

Author: Decne.

Bibliography: A.P.de Candolle, Prodr. 8: 509 (1844)

Year: 1844

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Asclepias

Vegetable: False

Observations: W. U.S.A. to Mexico (N. Baja California)

Description

Mexican milkweed, scientifically known as Asclepias fascicularis, is a notable species within the Apocynaceae family. First described in the 19th century by the botanist Decaisne in A.P. de Candolle’s “Prodromus” (1844), this plant has since been a subject of interest due to its ecological importance and distinctive characteristics.

This perennial plant is native to the western United States and extends its reach into northern Baja California, Mexico. It is commonly found in habitats ranging from open woodlands to meadows and roadsides, where it thrives in varying soil types and climates. The natural distribution of Mexican milkweed covers a wide geographical range, highlighting its adaptability and ecological resilience.

Mexican milkweed is prized for its clusters of narrow, ribbon-like leaves and iconic, intricate flowers which typically bloom from late spring to late summer. The flowers are an exquisite blend of white, pink, and sometimes purplish hues, attracting a variety of pollinators, particularly butterflies. It is especially crucial for monarch butterflies, providing a critical source of nectar and serving as a host plant for monarch caterpillars. The relationship between Asclepias fascicularis and monarchs underscores the plant’s ecological significance, especially amid decreasing butterfly populations.

In addition to its ecological role, Mexican milkweed’s medicinal properties have been recognized in traditional practices. The plant’s milky sap contains compounds that have been historically utilized for their medicinal benefits, although with caution due to potential toxicity.

Cultivating Mexican milkweed can be a beneficial endeavor for gardeners and conservationists alike. It not only enhances garden aesthetics with its delicate, showy flowers but also supports biodiversity by attracting and sustaining pollinator species. Care and attention are required in managing its growth, particularly because of its sap, which can be irritating upon contact.

In conclusion, Mexican milkweed (Asclepias fascicularis) stands out as a plant of notable environmental and cultural importance. Its presence across the western United States and into northern Mexico, its vital support for monarch butterflies, and its historical medicinal uses make it a species worth understanding and preserving.

Common Names

Eng: mexican milkweed, mexican whorled milkweed, narrow-leaved milkweed, narrowleaf milkweed
En: Mexican milkweed, Mexican whorled milkweed, Narrow-Leaf Milkweed, Narrowleaf milkweed, Narrow-leaved milkweed
Sv: Smalbladig sidenört

Synonyms

• Asclepias macrophylla var. comosa (Durand & Hilg.)
• Asclepias fasciculata (Hemsl.)

Distribution

• California (native)
• Idaho (native)
• Mexico Northwest (native)
• Nevada (native)
• Oregon (native)
• Utah (native)
• Washington (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Aug 4, 2015 by EOL − Damon Tighe (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 1, 2021 by Mariela Taylor (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 23, 2018 by Sandy Rowley (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 13, 2022 by chenaroo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 5, 2021 by Logan Bleeg (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken May 30, 2020 by cactus4you (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 13, 2015 by EOL − Dylan (cc-by-nc)

Taken Dec 25, 2015 by EOL − Jesse Rorabaugh (cc-by)

Taken Nov 29, 2015 by EOL − Jesse Rorabaugh (cc-by)

Taken Jun 23, 2018 by Sandy Rowley (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Oct 23, 2015 by EOL − David Lee (cc-by-nc)

Taken Nov 29, 2015 by EOL − Jesse Rorabaugh (cc-by)

Taken Nov 13, 2002 by EOL − Charles Webber (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Oct 7, 2013 by EOL − Brenda Juarez (cc-by-nc)

Taken Oct 7, 2013 by EOL − Brenda Juarez (cc-by-nc)

Bark

Taken Jun 23, 2018 by Sandy Rowley (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 23, 2018 by Sandy Rowley (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 25, 2015 by EOL − Jesse Rorabaugh (cc-by)

Taken Jan 2, 2016 by EOL − Jesse Rorabaugh (cc-by)

Taken Oct 30, 2015 by EOL − Jesse Rorabaugh (cc-by)

Habit

Taken Aug 27, 2015 by EOL − scoutisland1 (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 23, 2015 by EOL − Brad Grimm (cc-by)

Taken Sep 16, 2015 by EOL − Brad Grimm (cc-by)

Taken Nov 14, 2015 by EOL − Devon Bradley (cc-by-nc)

Taken Nov 14, 2015 by EOL − Devon Bradley (cc-by-nc)

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

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3170291)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:94272-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Asclepias fascicularis Decne.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth