Vascular Plants of the Gila Wilderness

Presented in Association with the
Western New Mexico University Department of Natural Sciences

Asclepias brachystephana Engelmann ex Torrey
(Shortcrown Milkweed)


Family: Apocynaceae

Status: Native

Synonyms:
NOne

Asclepias brachystephana is found in the drier portion of the Gila National Forest and surrounding area. It is not as common apparently as elsewhere in the state. The leaves are long lanceolate and pubescent at least when fresh. The peduncled umbels of flowers are mostly lateral. The hoods have large teeth on the margins. The flowers are light pink-purple. The fruit is a follicle with very obvious longitudinal purple striping.
Please click on an image for a larger file.



Asclepias brachystephana, photo Russ Kleinman, Ridge road at the Grant County/Silver City airport, September 9, 2009



Asclepias brachystephana, closeup, photo Russ Kleinman, Ridge road at the Grant County/Silver City airport, September 9, 2009



Asclepias brachystephana, closeup umbel, photo Russ Kleinman, Ridge road at the Grant County/Silver City airport, September 9, 2009



Asclepias brachystephana, macro of flower, photo Russ Kleinman, Ridge road at the Grant County/Silver City airport, September 9, 2009



Asclepias brachystephana, closeup of tomentose leaf surfaces, photo Russ Kleinman, Ridge road at the Grant County/Silver City airport, September 9, 2009



Asclepias brachystephana, follicles and seeds, photo Russ Kleinman, Ridge road at the Grant County/Silver City airport, September 9, 2009



Asclepias brachystephana, unopened follicles, photo Russ Kleinman, Ridge road at the Grant County/Silver City airport, September 9, 2009


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