Pallid Milkweed
Asclepias cryptoceras Family: Asclepiadaceae - Milkweed Family Perennial herbs; 3.9” to 1' (1 to 3 dm) tall Leaves: opposite; simple; broad leaves 0.8” to 4.6” (2 to 11.5 cm) long, 0.6” to 4.4” (1.5 to 11 cm) wide; no hairs Flowers: large greenish-yellow umbellate flowers; petals curled backward; 5 petals; rose colored 5 lobed crown (corona) present between the corolla and the stamens; lobes 0.4” to 0.6” (10 to 15 mm) long; flowers perfect; 5 sepals; 5 stamens; 2 carpels Pollinators: other species of Asclepias are pollinated by insects (specifically bees, moths and butterflies) Fruits: 2 follicles Blooms in Arches National Park: April, May Habitat in Arches National Park: desert shrub and pinyon-juniper communities Location seen: Delicate Arch Viewpoint trail Other: The genus name, “Asclepias”, refers to “Asklepios”, a Greek physician and an authority on the medicinal use of plants and who according to Greek Myth could bring the dead to life. Hades fearing a loss of employment, convinced his brother Zeus to kill Asklepios with a bolt of lightning. The species name, “cryptoceras”, is from “cryptos” which means "hidden" and “keras” which means "horn or antlers". |
Did You Know?
Pinyon pines do not produce pine nuts every year. These delicious nuts can only be harvested every three to seven years. This irregular schedule prevents animals from adapting to an abundance of pine nuts and guarantees that at least some nuts will become new pine trees instead of a quick meal.