Carolina Milkweed
Asclepias cinerea
Photo Citations
Naturedigger would like to thank the following individuals for their contributions to the Carolina milkweed (Asclepias cinerea) identification slide:
Flower image provided by: Eric M. Powell - iNaturalist observation
Inset flower image provided by: Eleanor - Flickr
Leaf image provided by: Rebekah D. Wallace - Bugwood
Pod image provided by: Dr. Craig N. Heugel - Florida Native Wildflowers
Asclepias cinerea Profile
Common Name(s):
Carolina milkweed
Scientific Name:
Asclepias cinerea
Native Range:
AL, FL, GA, MS, SC
USDA Symbol:
ASCI5
Habitat:
• longleaf pine sandhills
• wiregrass-dominated understory
Growing Conditions:
• well-drained upland soils
• full sun to filtered shade
Plant Height:
24 inches (60 centimeters)
Stem Description:
• thin
• smooth
Leaf Description:
• narrow, linear leaves
• 2-4 inches (5-10 centimeters) long
• grasslike in appearance
Leaf Arrangement:
• opposite
Leaf Margin:
• entire
Leaf Surface:
• smooth (not hairy)
Flowering Period:
• May through September
Flower Description:
• lavender, pale purple to grayish white
• sparse, loosely arranged flowers that droop when in bloom
• 0.5 inch (1.25 centimeters)
• reflexed corolla (petals)
• sepals open into a starlike pattern, do not reflex backwards
• erect hoods contain incurving horns
Pod Description:
• long and linear
• smooth
• up to 4 inches (10 centimeters) long
Other Information:
• this species is difficult to spot among the grassy areas where it typically grows, but is obvious when in bloom
Similar Species: Southern milkweed (Asclepias viridula)
For More Information About This Species Visit:
***Unfortunately, we are unable to locate seeds to purchase for this species