How to identify Green milkweed (Asclepias viridis)

How to identify Green milkweed (Asclepias viridis)

Green milkweed, also known as Green-flowered Milkweed, Spider Milkweed, American silkweed, Silken cissy, White Indian hemp

Green milkweed exhibits conspicuous green flowers that are a distinguishing characteristic. Its herbaceous growth, forming robust perennials, typically presents in clusters. The leaves of green milkweed are lanceolate and may span up to 6 inches (15 cm) in length, offering a distinct visual amidst the flora of dry woodlands and prairies where it thrives. The stems are erect and sturdy, often reaching 2 to 3 feet (60 to 90 cm) in height, supporting umbels of the starry blooms.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Herb

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Green milkweed

Green flowers in terminal umbels, 3-5 inches wide.

Distinct purple hoods atop 5 upright corolla lobes.

Slightly hairy follicle fruit with white, fluffy coma for seed dispersal.

Ovate to lanceolate leaves, 2.5-6 inches long, white veined undersides.

Vibrant green to purple stems, hairy tips, 0.1-0.3 inches thick.

Detailed Traits of Green milkweed

Leaf Features

Green milkweed leaves are simple and typically alternate to sub-opposite in arrangement. They exhibit a sessile to short petiolate attachment. The leaves are ovate to lanceolate in shape, measuring 2.5 to 6 inches (6.35 to 15.24 cm) long and 1 to 7 inches (2.54 to 17.78 cm) wide. The leaves display distinct white veins, and their undersides are lighter in color compared to the dark green upper surfaces. Minute hairs cover the leaf surfaces, adding to their texture.

Learn About the Leaf Glossary

Flower Features

Green milkweed flowers consist of clusters forming terminal umbels 3 to 5 inches (7.5 to 12.5 cm) wide. Each cluster contains 10 or more flowers, characterized by 5 upright green corolla lobes (petals) topped with distinct purple hoods. The flowers do not have horns. Blooming occurs in spring and summer, presenting a striking combination of green and purple. The arrangement and coloration of these flowers are key identifying features.

Learn About the Flower Glossary

Stem Features

The stem of green milkweed is characterized by its vibrant green to purple hues, often exhibiting a hairy texture toward the tips. Multiple stems emerge from the base, presenting a somewhat robust and sturdy appearance. The stems typically range in thickness from 0.1 to 0.3 inches (2.5 to 7.5 mm), with a potential for subtle branching. This combination of color variation and hairiness, particularly at the upper portions, is a distinctive identifying feature.

Learn About the Stem Glossary

Fruit Features

The fruit of green milkweed is a slightly hairy follicle, presenting as an upright pod measuring approximately 3 to 6 inches (7.6 to 15.2 cm) in length and 2.5 inches (6.35 cm) in width. Each pod encases a bounty of 50 to 100 brown seeds. A defining feature of these seeds is the attached coma—a white, fluffy fiber that aids in their wind dispersal. These characteristics make the fruit of green milkweed distinct and identifiable within its native habitat.

Learn About the Fruit Glossary

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