Asclepias cinerea
| Carolina milkweed | |
|---|---|
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Scientific classification 
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| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Asterids |
| Order: | Gentianales |
| Family: | Apocynaceae |
| Genus: | Asclepias |
| Species: | A. cinerea
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| Binomial name | |
| Asclepias cinerea | |
| |
Asclepias cinerea, also known as Carolina milkweed or ashy milkweed, is a herbaceous perennial plant species in the genus Asclepias. It is native to the United States where its range is concentrated in the Southeast.[2]
Etymology[edit]
The genus Ascelpias is named after the Ancient Greek god of medicine, Asclepius. The specific epithet, cinerea, is from the Latin cinereus, meaning ash-colored or ash-gray. The common name, milkweed, comes from the white, milky latex that the plant secretes when the stem or leaves are injured.[3]
Description[edit]
Asclepias cinerea is a perennial herb that is grass-like in appearance with a thin, smooth stem that reaches 2 ft (0.61 m) in height. Leaves are 2 to 4 in (51 to 102 mm) long, linear, narrow, glabrous, and oppositely arranged. Flowers are sparse and loosely arranged in axillary or terminal umbels. Each flower has a five-lobed corolla (petals) that are flat or reflexed and range from ashy-gray, pale violet, to pale rose. The fruit is a follicle that is smooth, slender, and 3 to 4 in (76 to 102 mm) long. When the follicle matures, it splits open releasing seeds. Each seed has white fluffy hairs (pappus) attached that aid in wind dispersal.[3][4]
Ecology[edit]
Like other milkweed species, A. cinerea is a host plant for the monarch (Danaus plexippus) and queen (Danaus gilippus) butterflies. It is also an important nectar source for other butterflies, bees, wasps, and beetles.[5]
Distribution and habitat[edit]
This species is found in the Southeastern Coastal Plain from eastern South Carolina, down to the Florida panhandle, and west to southern Mississippi. It was also historically found in North Carolina, but is now extirpated.[4] Its native habitats include pine-wiregrass savannas, flatwoods, sandhills, bogs, and pine-scrub oak ridges.[2][3]
Conservation status[edit]
A. cinerea is listed as an S1 species (Critically Imperiled) by NatureServe in Alabama and South Carolina. Globally it is listed as a G4 species (Apparently Secure), which means there is a fairly low risk of extinction, but there is possible cause for some concerns due to local recent declines, threats, or other factors.[6]
References[edit]
- ^ "NatureServe Explorer 2.0".
- ^ a b Marcus, Joseph A. "Asclepias cinerea" Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, Plant Database, 14 August 2017,
- ^ a b c "Carolina milkweed." Florida Wildflower Foundation, 23 August 2019.
- ^ a b Weakley, Alan S.; Southeastern Flora Team (2022). "Flora of the southeastern United States". University of North Carolina Herbarium, North Carolina Botanical Garden.
- ^ Cox, Robert. "Milkweed (Asclepias cinerea), a Comprehensive Guide in 10 Sections". McMullen House, 23 February 2023,
- ^ "Asclepias cinerea". NatureServe Explorer, 7 April 2023,