Illustration of Asclepias tuberosa by A.J. Wendel in Flora: afbeeldingen en beschrijvingen van boomen, heesters, éénjarige planten, enz. voorkomende in de Nederlandsche tuinen, (1868). [Public Domain]
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Genus: Asclepias
Common Names: milkweeds
A genus of over 200 species of flowering herbaceous perennials. Widely popular as a host plant for monarch butterfly larvae among other lepidopterans. Many species have been used traditionally by various tribes across North America for medicine and/or making rope. The filaments around the seed pods (known as milkweed floss) are used commercially as a hypoallergenic filling for pillows and jackets.
Distribution: Africa, North America, South America
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Asclepias eriocarpa
Common name(s): woolypod milkweed
Description: perennial; as with all Asclepias species, a host plant for monarch butterflies. Large, gray-green leaves with prominent veins. Whitish flowers in summer. Traditionally used by the Ohlone, Luiseno, and other peoples for medicine and a source of fiber.
Height: to 3 ft. Spread: to 2 ft.
Asclepias fascicularis
Common name(s): narrow leaf milkweed, California milkweed
Description: perennial; a particularly drought tolerant species of milkweed found in desert, dry woodland and chapparal habitats across the Western U.S. (including Oregon). Like most milkweeds, it is a host plant for monarch butterflies and will attract many other pollinators as well. Pale lilac flower clusters from late spring to late summer.
Height: to 3 ft. Spread: to 2 ft.
Asclepias incarnata
Common name(s): rose milkweed, swamp milkweed
Description: perennial; as with all Asclepias species, a host plant for monarch butterflies but will attract many other pollinators as well. Narrow leaves and magenta-pink flower clusters in summer.
Height: to 3 ft. Spread: to 2 ft.
Asclepias speciosa
Common name(s): showy milkweed
Description: perennial; a widespread species found all over Oregon and native to most of the Western U.S. Like most milkweeds, it is a host plant for monarch butterflies and will attract many other pollinators including dogbane tiger moths and queen butterflies. Relatively large purple-pink flower clusters in summer.
Height: to 3 ft. Spread: to 2 ft.
Asclepias tuberosa
Common name(s): pleurisy root, butterfly weed
Description: perennial; a widespread species found in most of the central U.S., typically in dry, rocky habitats. It is a host plant for monarch butterflies and will attract many other pollinators as well. Yellow-orange flower clusters from late spring to late summer. Known as pleurisy root in traditional medicine.
Height: to 30 in. Spread: to 2 ft.
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