Angiosperms: Dicotyledons

Asclepiadaceae
Milkweed Family

• Notes: Asclepias amplexicaulis is very similar to common milkweed except the stem is usually shorter, about 2’ tall, with smooth stems and leaves. The leaves are larger, 5” by 3”, with blunt tips (except for a small, sharp point at the tip of the mid-rib), and they have chordate bases. Usually there is one terminal umbel with about 20 flowers, but there may be between 10 and 30 flowers. The flowers have greenish purple petals and pink hoods. Flowering begins in early July, and seeds are shed in September. A. amplexicaulis is uncommon on sandy prairies and is also found on dry prairies.
• Bibliography from Biodiversity Heritage Library
• Vascular Plants of Iowa