Asclepias
Asclepias milkweed
Milkweeds are erect perennial herbs with opposite or whorled leaves. Milkweed flowers have a characteristic structure with five reflexed petals and five tubular hoods, each with a horn that arches over the central column. This central column, called the gynostegium, contains both the male (stamens) and female (carpels) reproductive parts. This particular arrangement of petals, hoods, and horns plays a important role in the plants' specialized pollination process.
Asclepias milkweed
Asclepias gallery
Common Names
milkweed