Poison milkweed
| Botanical Name | Asclepias subverticillata |
| Common Name | Poison milkweed |
| Family | Asclepiadaceae - Milkweed |
| Description | 3 to 5 very narrow leaves in whorls at nodes form feathery clumps around white, erect stems which produce a milky sap when injured. The fruit is a broad, smooth pod filled with many seeds which has long, silky hairs. |
| Mature Size | 18"-2.5' |
| Bloom | July and August. White to cream colored, star-like flowers in round umbels. The flowers look like tiny crowns, having tiny sepals that are hidden under down-swept petals. Above the petals is a pedestal that supports 5 inflated hoods with horns around a central column. |
| Interesting Facts | Milkweed is a perennial which emits a sap that is toxic to livestock. It is attractive to butterflies. It can be invasive in disturbed areas. |
| Traditional and Medicinal Uses | Poison milkweed's toxins known as cardenolides can work as a curative when used in scientifically developed compounds treating congestive heart failure or atrial fibrillation. |
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Photo for SFBG by Janice Tucker
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