How to identify Bloodflower (Asclepias curassavica)

How to identify Bloodflower (Asclepias curassavica)

Bloodflower, also known as Mexican butterfly weed, Cotton bush

Bloodflower typically grows around 3 to 4 feet (91 to 122 cm) in height and a similar width. It showcases narrow, lance-shaped leaves about 6 inches (15 cm) long, with a distinctive yellow-green hue. The bloom period spans from late spring to fall, featuring showy clusters of red and yellow flowers, each cluster measuring 3 to 4 inches (7.5 to 10 cm) in length. Post-bloom, bloodflower develops spindle-shaped seedpods roughly 3 inches (7.5 cm) long, which facilitate self-seeding. This plant thrives best in full sun and well-drained soil conditions, with a preference for occasional to regular watering.

Lifespan: Perennial, Annual

Plant Type: Herb

Leaf Type: Evergreen

Quickly Identify Bloodflower

Yellow-green lance-shaped leaves, 6 inches (15 cm) long.

Showy clusters of red and yellow flowers, 3-4 inches (7.5-10 cm) long.

Distinctive spindle-shaped seedpods, 3 inches (7.5 cm) long.

Brilliant orange-red petals with yellow centers, 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) across.

Dry, spindle-shaped pods, 2-6 inches (5-15 cm) with brown, winged seeds.

Detailed Traits of Bloodflower

Leaf Features

The leaves of bloodflower are simple and alternately arranged, with some being opposite or whorled. They are acuminate, lanceolate to oblong-lanceolate in shape, measuring 7 to 15 cm (2.75 to 6 inches) in length and 6 to 25 mm (0.25 to 1 inch) in width. The leaves are medium green, occasionally featuring a distinctive white midrib, and are shortly petioled. They have a narrowed base, contributing to their slender, elongated appearance.

Leaf Base

Cuneate

Leaf Arrangement

Opposite

Leaf Margin

Entire

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Flower Features

The flowers of bloodflower are striking with their brilliant orange-red petals and yellow centers. Each inflorescence features a cluster of 6 to 15 flowers, each approximately 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) across. The flowers are radially symmetrical or irregularly shaped, with five deeply divided, green sepals and five linear petals merged into a fused corolla. These vibrant flowers are perfect for easy identification and can be found blooming throughout the growing season.

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Stem Features

The stem of bloodflower is smooth and round, presenting a dull green color often permeated with dull red hues. It can be either simple or branched, supporting the plant's structure. The thickness varies, typically ranging from 0.2 to 0.5 inches (0.5 to 1.3 cm) in diameter. A distinctive feature is the presence of white, milky sap that is poisonous. This sap is released when the stem is broken or cut, which is a key identifying characteristic of this plant species.

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Fruit Features

The fruit of bloodflower is prominently characterized by a distinctive, dry, and inflated structure known as a follicle, which stands erect when mature. These spindle-shaped pods are green, measuring approximately 2 to 6 inches (5 to 15 cm) in length, and contain a multitude of seeds. Upon ripening, the follicles split open on one side, revealing flat, ovate, brown seeds. Each seed is small, around 0.16 to 0.24 inches (4 to 6 mm) long and 0.09 to 0.16 inches (2.2 to 4mm) wide, with a fine, wing-like structure and a silky tuft of hairs that facilitate wind dispersal.

Learn About the Fruit Glossary

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Bloodflower and Their Similar Plants

Common milkweed vs. Bloodflower: What's The Difference?

Asclepias syriaca, commonly known as common milkweed, is a flowering perennial herbaceous plant native to North America. It contains milky latex which can be toxic to sheep, cows, and other larger mammals (including humans) if it is consumed in large amounts. Many insect species are attracted to common milkweed, most notably monarch butterflies.

Butterfly weed vs. Bloodflower: What's The Difference?

While Asclepias tuberosa is commonly referred to as butterfly weed, it is also known as Canada root, Indian posy, silky swallow-wort, yellow milkweed, butterfly love, white-root and a variety of other names. Both Native Americans and pioneers would use the butterfly weed to make candle wicks.

Swamp milkweed vs. Bloodflower: What's The Difference?

Swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) is a plant species native to Canada and the continental United States. Swamp milkweed attract butterflies with its nectar. Swamp milkweed gives off a subtle vanilla scent. The stems contain a poisonous milky sap.

Showy milkweed vs. Bloodflower: What's The Difference?

Though it is poisonous to dogs, cats, and horses, showy milkweed provides an extremely important food source to the monarch and other types of butterflies. It can be very invasive and in most areas is considered a weed. The fluffy "floss" from showy milkweed, however, has similar properties to goose down - it is now being cultivated as a cheaper alternative for jacket and sleeping-bag insulation.

Green milkweed vs. Bloodflower: What's The Difference?

Green milkweed (Asclepias viridis) is a perennial herb native to the southeast and south-central U.S. The plant sports green flowers, and, like other milkweeds, produces a thick, milky white substance when cut. Milkweeds, green milkweed included, are the typical host plants of monarch butterflies, which lay their eggs on the plant's leaves.

Narrowleaf milkweed vs. Bloodflower: What's The Difference?

Narrowleaf milkweed (Asclepias fascicularis) is essential for the survival of the Monarch Butterfly, which consumes the nectar of this plant. To return the favor, these butterflies pollinate narrowleaf milkweed, ensuring its continued survival. The seedpods of narrowleaf milkweed (Asclepias fascicularis) look great in dried flower arrangements.

Whorled Milkweed vs. Bloodflower: What's The Difference?

The whorled Milkweed (Asclepias verticillata) is a perennial herb native to North America which, like other milkweeds, provides food for monarch caterpillars. This form of milkweed is among the most widely distributed varieties and serves as a crucial late-season host for monarch larvae. The Latin name, Asclepias verticillata, is an interpolation of the name of Asclepius, the Greek god of medicine.

Poke milkweed vs. Bloodflower: What's The Difference?

Poke milkweed is found naturally in many woodlands and grows well in partial shade. Monarchs and rabbits alike enjoy feeding on its foliage. This plant is not invasive, but it is long-lived.

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Key Facts About Bloodflower

Attributes of Bloodflower

Lifespan

Perennial, Annual

Plant Type

Herb

Plant Height

1 m

Spread

30 cm to 60 cm

Leaf Color

Green

Flower Size

1 cm to 1.5 cm

Flower Color

Red

Orange

Yellow

Fruit Color

Brown

Green

Copper

Stem Color

Green

Red

Orange

Leaf type

Evergreen

The Toxicity of Bloodflower

Highly Toxic to Humans

Toxic to Dogs

Toxic to Cats

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Scientific Classification of Bloodflower

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Gentians, dogbanes, madders, and allies

Family

Dogbane

Genus

Milkweeds

Species

Bloodflower (Asclepias curassavica)

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Distribution Map of Bloodflower

Bloodflower is a plant native to the pastures and grasslands of Central America and North and Central South America. It also grows extensively as an introduced species throughout warmer parts of Europe, the US, southern and western Africa, and Asia. In tropic regions this species is a popular ornamental.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

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A Comprehensive Guide to Bloodflower How to Grow and Care for Bloodflower