Broadleaf Milkweed
Asclepias latifolia
Photo Citations
Naturedigger would like to thank the following individuals for their contributions to the broadleaf milkweed (Asclepias latifolia) identification slide:
Flower image provided by: Richard Reynolds
Leaf/stem image provided by: Jason Ksepka, iNaturalist observation (cropped) CC NC-BY 4.0
Leaf inset image provided by: Alison Northup, iNaturalist observation (cropped) CC BY 4.0
Pod image provided by: Pam Williams
Inset pod image provided by: Jason Singhurst
Asclepias latifolia Profile
Common Name(s):
broadleaf milkweed
broad-leaf milkweed
corn kernel milkweed
Scientific Name:
Asclepias latifolia
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Native Range:
AZ, CA, CO, KS, NE, NM, OK, SD, TX, UT
USDA Symbol:
ASLA4
Habitat:
• 500-7,000 feet (150-2130 meters)
• dry washes
• plains
• prairies
• mesas
• canyon bottoms
• open desert
• disturbed areas, especially along roadsides
Growing Conditions:
• full sun
Plant Height:
• 8-31 inches (20-80 centimeters) tall
Stem Description:
• short and stout
• reddish
• woolly, becomes smooth with age
• erect or ascending
• unbranched
Leaf Description:
• broad-elliptic, rarely lanceolate
• mid vein often pinkish
• tip obtuse to truncate or notched
Leaf Arrangement:
• opposite
Leaf Margin:
• entire
Leaf Surface:
• woolly
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Flowering Period:
• May through September
Flower Description:
• large umbels
• hoods whitish to yellow brown, mostly erect
• horns flat and triangular and curved inward
• horns fused nearly the full length of the hoods
• white, to pale green to yellow, sometimes tinged with purple
Pod Description:
• large
• smooth
• ovate
• green to pinkish
• erect on a deflexed pedicel
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Other Information:
• similar species: common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca)
• flowers resemble corn kernels when mature, which is how it gets one of its common names "corn kernel milkweed"
• ants are often found on this species, which may be detrimental to monarchs
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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
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