tropical milkweed
ExplorePlants
tropical milkweed
Asclepias curassavica
Tropical milkweed is a bright and colorful flower that attracts butterflies. Its lovely orange and yellow petals make it a favorite in gardens and parks.
Habitat: Urban areas
Appearance
The tropical milkweed has upright stems, narrow green leaves, and clusters of vibrant, two-toned flowers. Its blossoms are typically bright orange with a yellow or red center, making them stand out distinctly against the foliage and attracting attention.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderGentianalesFamilyApocynaceaeGenusAsclepias
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
It is sometimes called 'Bloodflower' for its fiery colors!
Its seeds float like tiny parachutes on the breeze!
Many butterflies, not just monarchs, love its sweet nectar!
The plant's sticky sap can irritate skin if touched!
Special abilities
Ability
Monarch Magnet
Tropical milkweed has leaves that monarch caterpillars eat to grow, helping them store toxins to deter predators.
Ability
Sticky Shield
Tropical milkweed can ooze a milky, bitter sap when damaged, which helps it defend against hungry herbivores.
Ability
Wind Rider Seeds
Tropical milkweed has seeds with silky tufts, allowing them to glide on the wind for wide dispersal and new growth.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 50-150 cm
- Spread
- 30-90 cm
- Flower Size
- 1-2 cm
- Bloom Season
- Year-round in warm climates, summer-fall in temperate regions
- Edible
- No
- Toxicity
- Moderate
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Pollination Method
- Insect
Ecological connections
eaten by
Monarch butterfly
Danaus plexippus
larvae feed on leaves
pollinates
Monarch butterfly
Danaus plexippus
adults visit flowers for nectar
pollinates
Honey bee
Apis mellifera
bees collect nectar from flowers
eats
Oleander aphid
Aphis nerii
aphids feed on plant sap
Traits
Flowering
Flowering plants are any plants that produce flowers as part of their reproductive cycle.
Shrub
A shrub is a woody plant smaller than a tree, typically with multiple stems branching from or near the ground.
Everblooming
Everblooming plants produce flowers continuously or in repeated flushes over a long period.
Fragrant Flower
Fragrant flowers emit a pleasant aroma, often to attract pollinators or for defense.
Medicinal
Medicinal plants possess chemical compounds that can be used for therapeutic purposes to treat illnesses or maintain health.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Pollinator Magnet
Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
Keystone Species
Describes a species whose presence and role have a disproportionately large effect on its environment.
Urban Friendly
This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces.
Also known as
Bloodflower
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5 · Low
While tropical milkweed is beautiful, it's best to look and not touch too much, as some parts can be milky and sticky.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is tropical milkweed?
50-150 cm
How wide does tropical milkweed spread?
30-90 cm
How big are the flowers on tropical milkweed?
1-2 cm
When does tropical milkweed bloom?
Year-round in warm climates, summer-fall in temperate regions
Is tropical milkweed edible?
No
Is tropical milkweed toxic?
Moderate
What is tropical milkweed's lifecycle?
Perennial
How is tropical milkweed pollinated?
Insect
Snap Map
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