How to identify Red milkweed (Asclepias rubra)

Photo By peganum , used under CC-BY-SA-2.0 /Cropped and compressed from original

How to identify Red milkweed (Asclepias rubra)

Red milkweed is a perennial wildflower notable for its clusters of vibrant pink to purple blooms that appear from June to July. These blossoms are a magnet for bees and butterflies. Each cluster is comprised of small, intricate flowers with unique geometry. The plant's foliage serves as a crucial food source for Monarch butterfly larvae. Red milkweed stands upright and can be recognized by its pointed, lanceolate leaves that frame the striking flower clusters.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Herb

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Red milkweed

Vibrant pink to purple flower clusters

Tubular flowers in terminal and axillary clusters

Elongated, splitting seed pods with silky hairs

Pointed, lanceolate leaves with fine hairs on margins

Smooth to slightly hairy, erect stem with milky sap

Detailed Traits of Red milkweed

Leaf Features

The leaves of red milkweed are green, opposite, and either ovate or lanceolate in shape. They are sessile or nearly so, often displaying a heart-shaped or rounded base with a pointed tip. Each leaf measures approximately 2-6 inches (5-15 cm) in length. Edges feature fine hairs along the margins, which is a notable characteristic. The leaves stand out for their size and shape, making them a key identifier for the plant.

Learn About the Leaf Glossary

Flower Features

Red milkweed produces small, tubular flowers that range in color from pink to lavender. These flowers are grouped in terminal and axillary clusters, blooming primarily from June to July. Each flower typically measures about 0.25 inches (0.6 cm) in length. They exhibit a radial symmetry and have a slight fragrance that attracts pollinators. The tubular shape and clustered arrangement are key identifying features. The vibrant hues and clustered formations make them a distinctive sight during their blooming season.

Learn About the Flower Glossary

Stem Features

The stem of red milkweed is distinctively erect, usually reaching heights of 2-3 feet (60-90 cm). It has a smooth to slightly hairy texture and often displays a reddish or greenish hue. The stems are cylindrical and relatively thick, approximately 0.2-0.3 inches (5-8 mm) in diameter. Notably, they exude a milky sap when broken, a key characteristic. The branching pattern is typically sparse, with branches diverging primarily near the upper sections. The stem’s sturdiness supports the plant well in its natural habitats.

Learn About the Stem Glossary

Fruit Features

The fruit of red milkweed manifests as elongated, smooth seed pods, ranging in size from 3 to 5 inches (approximately 7.6 to 12.7 cm) in length. These pods exhibit a distinct penchant for splitting upon reaching maturity, revealing a plethora of seeds. Each seed is endowed with silky, filamentous hairs, a feature engineered for wind-mediated dispersal. The pods are predominantly observed from July through September, a period during which they grace the plant with their presence.

Learn About the Fruit Glossary

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