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Engelmann's Milkweed
Asclepias engelmanniana

Photo Citations
Naturedigger would like to thank the following individual for his contributions to the Engelmann's milkweed (Asclepias engelmanniana) identification slide:
Flower and Pod images provided by: Max Licher, SEINet (cropped), SEINnet Citation
Leaf and Stem Image by: Chuck Sexton; iNaturalist observation (cropped), CC BY-NC 4.0
Asclepias engelmanniana Profile
Common Name(s):
Engelmann's milkweed
Scientific Name:
Asclepias engelmanniana
Native Range:
AZ, CO, IA, KS, NE, NM, OK, TX, UT, WY
USDA Symbol:
ASEN
Habitat:
• sandy, rocky or limestone soils
• creeks and canyons
• open pine forests and woodlands
• shortgrass prairies
Growing Conditions:
• dry, well-drained soil
• full sun
Plant Height:
• 1-5 feet (0.3-1.5 meters) tall
Stem Description:
• tall and thick
• multiple stems branching from the ground
• may be green, reddish or brownish
Leaf Description:
• linear
• 2-10 inches (5-25 centimeters) long; 0.04-0.3 inch (1-8 millimeters) wide
• sparse
• closer together near the lower third
• sessile (no petiole), and does not clasp
• may be folded inward from mid vein
Leaf Arrangement:
• alternate becoming whorled as progress up the stem
Leaf Margin:
• entire
Leaf Surface:
• glabrous (hairless) to slightly hairy
Flowering Period:
• June through September
Flower Description:
• umbel on thick peduncles or sessile
• umbel is approximately 2 inches (5 centimeters ) wide
• flowers near upper portion of stem at leaf nodes
• hoods are broad, saclike and are positioned close to the central column
• horns attached near the middle of the hoods, but not visible
Flower Color:
• pale green to yellow
• tinges of purple on the underside of petals near the tips
Pod Description:
• erect on deflexed pedicels
• curved and conical
• up to 6 inches (2.4 centimeters) long with lengthwise wrinkles and a pointed tip
• greenish, but turns tan with age
• smooth or slightly hairy
Other Information:
• recognized by pollination ecologists as attracting large numbers of native bees (including honey and bumble bees)
• named for American botanist George Engelmann
• endangered in Iowa
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
Kansas Wildflowers and Grasses