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Cutler's Milkweed
Asclepias cutleri

Photo Citations
Naturedigger would like to thank the following individual for his contributions to the Cutler's milkweed (Asclepias cutleri) identification slide:
Flower image and flower inset images provided by: Mark Fishbein, iNaturalist observation, CC BY-NC 4.0
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Leaf & Stem image provided by: Mark Fishbein, iNaturalist observation, CC BY-NC 4.0
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Pod image provided by: Mark Fishbein, iNaturalist observation, CC BY-NC 4.0
Asclepias culteri Profile
Common Name(s):
Cutler's milkweed
Scientific Name:
Asclepias cutleri
Native Range:
AZ, CO, UT
USDA Symbol:
ASCU9
Habitat:
• sand dunes with weakly stabilized sand
• found at elevations between 4,000-5,000 feet
(1,220-1,675 meters)
Growing Conditions:
• full sun
• sand or gravel substrate
Plant Height:
• 4-8 inches (10-20) centimeters tall
Stem Description:
• low growing
• slender and delicate, usually leans
• short straight hairs to loosely spreading hairs
• sparingly branched
Leaf Description:
• narrowly linear
• 1-3 inches (2.54-7.62 centimeters) long
• 1-3 mm wide
• sessile
• tip is acute
Leaf Arrangement:
• irregularly alternate
Leaf Margin:
• entire
Leaf Surface:
• upper surface may have short, stiff hairs
• bottom surface is typically hairless
Flowering Period:
• April through June
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Flower Description:
• terminal umbels
• few-flowered umbels
• entire umbel is one inch (2.54 centimeters) or less
• with white or cream colored hoods and horns
• horns are flat, curved inward and attached near the middle of the hoods
• hoods sit below the stigmatic disc
• horns extend beyond the hoods
Flower Color:
• white
• pink
• purple
Pod Description:
• small, drooping (pendulous) pods
• 2-3 inches (5.08-7.62 centimeters) long
• 1/2 inch (1.27 centimeters) wide
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Other Information:
• endemic to the Colorado Plateau
• threatened by urban expansion, mineral exploration and industrial development
• state-listed as vulnerable in Arizona and imperiled in Utah
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For More Information About This Species Visit:
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
SEINet Portal Network - Asclepias cutleri
Southwest Colorado Wildflowers
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*** Unfortunately, there are no seeds available for this species for purchase