Clasping Milkweed
Asclepias amplexicaulis
Photo Citations
Naturedigger would like to thank the following individuals for their contributions to the clasping milkweed (Asclepias amplexicaulis) identification slide:
Flower image provided by: Alan Cressler, Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center
White flower inset image provided by: Brad Grimm, Grow Milkweed Plants
Deep purple flower inset image provided by: Hazech - iNaturalist observation (cropped) CC BY-NC 4.0
Leaf image provided by: Brad Grimm, Grow Milkweed Plants (cropped)
Pod image provided by: Jason K. Sepka, iNaturalist Observation, (cropped) CC BY-NC 4.0
Asclepias amplexicaulis Profile
Common Name(s):
clasping milkweed
bluntleaf milkweed
blunt-leaved milkweed
sand milkweed
Scientific Name:
Asclepias amplexicaulis
Native Range:
AL, AR, CT, DE, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS
KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC
NE, NH, NJ, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, TN,
TX, VA, VT, WI, WV
USDA Symbol:
ASAM
Habitat:
• prairies
• roadsides
• open woods
• meadows and fields
Growing Conditions:
• sandy soils
• full sun
Plant Height:
• glabrous, waxy, whitish surface
• 1-3 feet (0.25-1 meter)
Stem Description:
• smooth
Leaf Description:
• clasp the stem
• broad
• waxy
• leathery
• no petiole
• lighter on underside than top
Leaf Arrangement:
• opposite
Leaf Margin:
• wavy or smooth
Leaf Surface:
• shiny
Flowering Period:
• May through August
Flower Description:
• very large umbel
• pink, green, white, red and deep purple (highly variable)
• occur in a single umbel at the top of the stem
Pod Description:
• smooth
• erect
• 4-5 inches long (10 - 13 centimeters)
• short contorted stalk
• wide in the middle and tapered at both ends
Other Information:
• color is highly variable
• extremely fragrant
• attracts large numbers of native bees
• is considered rare in some states and protected
Similar Species:
• Common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca). Umbel is similar, however, leaves do not clasp stems and stems are hairy. Pods are not smooth, but very bumpy
• Purple milkweed (Asclepias purpurascens), has a terminal umbel and color is deep rose. Also has broad leaves, but they are petiolate not clasping
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
Xerces Regional Milkweed Guide