Family: Asclepiadaceae, Milkweed view all from this family
Description Deep pink flowers clustered at the top of a tall, branching stem, bearing numerous narrow, lanceolate leaves.
Flowers: 1/4" (6 mm) broad, typical of the milkweeds, with 5 recurved petals and elevated central crown divided into 5 parts.
Leaves: to 4" (10 cm) long, opposite.
Fruit: an elongated pod, 2-4" (5-10 cm) long, opening along one side.
Height: 1-4' (30-120 cm).
Warning All plants in the genus Asclepias are probably somewhat toxic, some fatally so, to both humans and animals. The sap of some causes skin irritation in humans. Sensitivity to a toxin varies with a person’s age, weight, physical condition, and individual susceptibility. Children are most vulnerable because of their curiosity and small size. Toxicity can vary in a plant according to season, the plant’s different parts, and its stage of growth; and plants can absorb toxic substances, such as herbicides, pesticides, and pollutants from the water, air, and soil.
Flower June-August.
Habitat Swamps, shores, and thickets.
Range Manitoba, Quebec, and Nova Scotia; from New England south to Georgia; west to Louisiana, and Texas; north to North Dakota.
Discussion The juice of this wetland milkweed is less milky than that of other species. The genus was named in honor of Aesculapius, Greek god of medicine, undoubtedly because some species have long been used to treat a variety of ailments. The Latin species name means "flesh-colored."
