Bract Milkweed
Asclepias brachystephana
Photo Citations
Naturedigger would like to thank the following individual for his contributions to the bract milkweed (Asclepias brachystephana) identification slide:
Flower, leaf/stem and pod images provided by: Patrick Alexander,
SEINet portal Network: SEINet (cropped)
Asclepias brachystephana Profile
Common Name(s):
bract milkweed
desert-rose milkweed
short-crowned milkweed
Scientific Name:
Asclepias brachystephana
Native Range:
AZ, NM, TX
USDA Symbol:
ASBR
Habitat:
• mesquite scrub
• desert mountains
• dry plains
• grasslands
• mesas
• disturbed areas of dry alluvial soil
• elevation 3,500-7,000 feet (1,070-2,130 meters)
Growing Conditions:
• Full sun
Plant Height:
• 12-24 inches (30-58 centimeters) tall
Stem Description:
• ascend at an angle or are erect
• clustered
• whitish color due to dense hairs
• hairs may be absent from older stems which will appear greenish
Leaf Description:
• 3-6 inches (cm) long
• linear-lanceolate
• apex is acuminate
• abruptly narrowed at the base into a short petiole
• petiole 0.8-0.3 inches (2-8 millimeters) long
Leaf Arrangement:
• opposite and dense
Leaf Margin:
• 2-5 inches (5-12 centimeters) long
• 0.20-0.8 inches wide (5-20 millimeters) wide
Leaf Surface:
• white and woolly above, smooth below
Flowering Period:
• April through September
Flower Description:
• reddish purple to violet
• petals are oblong-ovate
• corollas reflexed backwards
• 3-8 umbels
• hoods broader than long, toothed on the inner margins
• hoods and horns are yellowish
• horns attached near the middle of the hoods
• petals are approximately 0.2 inches (5 millimeters) long
• flower stalks are 0.4-0.8 inches (10-20 millimeters) long
• 6-12 flower stalks per cluster
• flowers often near the top nodes of the stem
Pod Description:
• 2-4 inches (cm) long
• erect on deflexed pendicels
• oblong
• smooth
• reddish
• white or green striped
Other Information:
• Special value to native bees
To Locate and Purchase Seeds (when available):
Xerces Society Milkweed Seed Finder
Milkweed and Wildflower Vendors
For More Information About This Species Visit:
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Western Monarch Milkweed Mapper