Clasping Milkweed (Asclepias amplexicaulis)






































     Photo by Leticia Provencio 

     Clasping Milkweed is a native, perennial wildflower in Wisconsin. It grows one to three feet tall. The flowers have a soft pink hue, often in shades of cream or green. The flower structure is complex. The flowers form in a compact rounded cluster that is two to four inches in diameter. Each flower has five petals that reflex backward. Above the flowers are five hood-like structures. The leaves are opposite and have a waxy appearance. The base of the leaf clasps the stem. The leaves are oval, three to five inches long, and two inches wide. It grows in dry habitats in sandhills, dry open woods, pine savannahs, and fallow fields. They do best where they can receive at least six hours of full sun. Partial shade the rest of the day works well. (July)