Tall Green Milkweed

asclepias hirtella

Tall Green Milkweed (Asclepias hirtella) is a robust and distinctive perennial wildflower native to the tallgrass prairies, glades, and open barrens of North America. Unlike its more famously pink-flowered cousins, this species boasts unique, pale green to yellowish clusters of flowers that blend beautifully into its grassy habitats. It grows remarkably upright and can survive in poor, sandy, or clay soils. This plant plays an important role in grassland biodiversity, supporting various insects with its rich nectar reserves while adapting to survive wildfires and droughts using its deep root system.

Habitat: Found in tallgrass prairies, sandy barrens, glades, and open fields, often preferring dry to mesic sandy soils.

Appearance

This species is distinguished by its erect, hairy stems that typically reach 50 to 100 centimeters in height. It features numerous narrow, linear leaves that are arranged alternately along the stem, a characteristic feature that differentiates it from opposite-leaved milkweeds. The pale green or creamy-white flowers have subtle purplish-green hoods and are grouped in globose clusters emerging from the upper leaf joints, which later develop into upright, smooth, spindle-shaped seed pods.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderGentianalesFamilyApocynaceaeGenusAsclepias

Tall Green Milkweed

Interesting facts

The seeds of this species are attached to silky, white fluff that acts as a parachute, enabling wind dispersal over wide distances.

The species name 'hirtella' is Latin for 'somewhat hairy', referring to the fine, stiff hairs found on its leaves and stem.

Unlike most other milkweed species which feature opposite leaves, the Tall Green Milkweed stands out due to its alternately arranged leaves.

Special abilities

Produces cardenolides in its milky sap, which makes it toxic to generalist herbivores and protects it from herbivory.

Utilizes a deep, woody taproot that stores energy and accesses deep water, allowing it to withstand severe droughts and fires.

Packages its pollen into sticky, saddle-like structures called pollinia that attach to the legs of visiting insects for cross-pollination.

Measurements & details

Length: 50-100 cm
Lifespan: 3-15 years

Diet & Feeding

As a photosynthetic plant, Tall Green Milkweed produces its own energy and organic compounds using sunlight, water, carbon dioxide, and soil minerals.

Primary Foods

Sunlight
Carbon Dioxide
Water
Soil Minerals

Ecological connections

host plant

Monarch Butterfly

Danaus plexippus

Provides essential foliage for the caterpillars, which consume the leaves and store the plant's toxins to defend themselves against predators.

mutualism

Bumble Bee

Bombus pensylvanicus

Visits the green blossoms for nectar, serving as a primary pollinator of the species.

parasite

Oleander Aphid

Aphis nerii

Infests the stems and leaves of the milkweed, feeding on its nutrient-rich sap.

Traits

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Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

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Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

No special safety notes yet.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify Tall Green Milkweed?

The easiest way to identify Tall Green Milkweed is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.

How long is Tall Green Milkweed?

50-100 cm

How long does Tall Green Milkweed live?

3-15 years

What does Tall Green Milkweed eat?

As a photosynthetic plant, Tall Green Milkweed produces its own energy and organic compounds using sunlight, water, carbon dioxide, and soil minerals.

Where is Tall Green Milkweed usually found?

Found in tallgrass prairies, sandy barrens, glades, and open fields, often preferring dry to mesic sandy soils.