Poke Milkweed

Plant Info

Also known as:	Tall Milkweed
Scientific name:	Asclepias exaltata
Family:	Milkweed (Asclepiadaceae)
Life cycle:	perennial
Origin:	native
Habitat:	part sun, shade; moist woods
Bloom season:	late spring, summer
Plant height:	3 to 5 feet
USDA PLANTS database:	Minnesota county distribution map
Spotted in Ramsey County at:	Vadnais/Snail Lake Regional Park

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Detailed Information

Flower:

Flowers are in open droopy clusters at the end of naked stems that branch off the main stem in the upper part of the plant. Individual flowers are the typical milkweed shape: a crown of 5 curved horns and 5 sepals that bend back away from the flower. Each is about 3/8 inch across and ½ inch long. Flower color is creamy white to greenish or purplish. The sepals are light green. One plant usually has a few to several clusters.

Leaves and stem:

Leaves are large and broad, to 6 inches long and 3 inches wide, roughly oval to egg-shaped, tapering to a point at both ends with short leaf stems. Leaf edges may be slightly wavy, but are otherwise smooth. Attachment is opposite. The main stem is smooth and light green to purplish.

More photos

• Poke Milkweed plant, about 4 feet tall

Photos taken at Wild River State Park, Center City, MN June-July 2007

Comments

Have you seen this plant in Ramsey County, or have any other comments about it?

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Please: Do not ask about where to buy seed or other gardening questions, are plants edible, etc. I am not a horticulturist or botanist, just an enthusiastic hobbyist so I probably don't know the answer. Please check the links page for additional resources. -thanks much

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