Aquatic Milkweed
(Asclepias perennis)

Below:  Asclepias perennis in bloom in the ASMSA garden.

Right:   Asclepias perennis in the ASMSA garden.

Plant Characteristics

Plant Preference/Growing Conditions:

Consistently wet or moist soils. Full sun to part shade. Likes to be separate from other plants.


Growth Habit/Description:

Small to medium sized plants, roughly 2 feet tall at maximum growth. Glossed over leaves with fragrant white flowers. 

 

Bloom Season:

The fragrant white flowers begin to bloom around late spring to fall, taking about 4-8 weeks to fully bloom.


Fall and/or Winter Interest?

Fall Interest. Little white flowers with a hint of pink bloom only during the fall, closing up in the winter.

Distribution

Habitat:  Fragrant sumac is common along the forested eastern margins of the Great Plains and in open or otherwise disturbed sites on the margins of the Gulf Coast prairie. It grows at a range of sites including open rocky woodlands, valley bottoms, lower rocky slopes, and roadsides.

Native to Arkansas?  Yes

Native to Garland County?  Yes

Endemic to Arkansas? Yes

Ecological Value

Host Plant for Caterpillars?

Yes.  Aquatic Milkweed is a host plant for Monarch butterfly caterpillars.

Other Known Ecological Value?

Yes. Aquatic Milkweed is an important plant for native and water gardens alike. Not to mention, aquatic milkweed attracts and benefits pollinators.

Other Interesting Facts

Origin of Name:  The origin of the genus is named after the Greek god of medicine, Asclepias. Additionally, milkweed gets its name from the milky texture that exudes from the leaves and stems when exposed.


Related Plant Species:   Aquatic Milkweed and Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) are related plant species since they both prefer the same type of moist environments and are a primary host for monarchs.

Use For Food/Medicine:

Aquatic Milkweed can be eaten if prepared correctly. If not prepared correctly, it can be toxic towards humans.

References