In 2019, only Common Milkweed remained. The flowers may have a tinge of lavender. Mead's milkweed Threatened Endangered X . American Pokeweed does not have petals that face downwards like many milkweeds do. The toxins will sicken birds, lizards, and mammals, but predators like wasps and spiders are immune to them. :��=J�$,w�X��N�$��e�&�6���n�����yM���OK2M�YZ�E^w:��MKq�}�(���x�fO{�8K��t?��,�����[����x������:E6��q]&�d�ڭ3]��c��F���ϲ�0:��ť!��i]�e����^7�#�f;q�8�Υ�I1M��J�v^���~ZVuw��x^�s�6u7��:���yq��8[�n���hq�i=�n��>�՘ ���CPSi��Dh����ǠZ��� /��#���X�+��c�V17�� �� �7��Q�%�"�Z"!<3b@ݾĐ3�g�Yqh� �����@�'xD� �eo48�^�{E�B��Ec�^gQ�Mw��Aa�F�_�Q�?��Dl؄� S�z`""� Here is information about seven species native to Illinois. About. It grows to 5 feet tall with large, glossy, opposite broad leaves that come to a narrow point. This upright plant grows to 5 feet tall. The species could be used occasionally as a food source by the larvae of Monarch Butterfly ( Danaus plexippus ), however, due to its limited range, scarcity, and woodland habitat, it is probably not an important source of food. Height: 4 to 6 feet (can grow larger) Spacing: 2 to 3 ft. Aquatic milkweed, Asclepias perennis Butterfly Weed, Asclepias tuberosa ... Poke milkweed, Asclepias exaltata. Monarch butterflies are beautiful and their migration journey is inspiring. Contact Us. Two invasive milkweed species that are native to Europe have been growing in North America since the 1800s. The caterpillars absorb toxins from milkweed plants into their bodies. The flowers may be shaded purplish or green. Wrong site location or crowding may have caused the other milkweed plants to die out. Clasping Milkweed – This plant is still alive and green, but it never grew. Native Milkweed and Nectar Species for Illinois. %%EOF It has narrower leaves than Common and Prairie Milkweed. Oval-leaf milkweed. The fluffy material inside was used in life vest when there was a shortage of kapok, the cottony material surrounding the seeds of the Ceiba tree. Blooms early summer. H�\��n�0����l/*mI+!���;hl@�!�z����U'-��b��q���r��{L���������SI There are from one to several flower clusters near the top of each stem, blooming in June and July. H�\��j�0����l/�[�I�Ҥ�\���pl%54�Q������)]X���H3|'���~����?����N]ߦxn����]�-�v���5�6�z�r+>ܯS���ӐU����uJw��i�c|���������������m?�%��[��ڵ�d������]>�=�[������;��>FW��K�4C�c��T��U{֮z�g�ž�o߯Xv<5�uʪ�[���-xGށ_ɯ�%ϗ8_��!o��rf[�Kr �d�����g�3�=����������������#۟P:8:8���@`�� ��k��\�\�>�>�>�>�>2�aFAFY�W`��fdfdfdfdfdTfTdTz*F�n����斒��|m����v}��Y�0:�›�` ��7 Prairie milkweed. It’s the only food the larva can eat. States where Poke milkweed, Asclepias exaltata grows. It resembles the common milkweed, A. syriaca, and has been known to hybridize with this species in areas where both occur in close proximity. Full sun to part shade- leaves grow larger in moist shade. Click on a place name to get a complete protected plant list for that location. Common Milkweed www.illinoisprairie.wildones.org To receive information on upcoming activities, “like” us on FaceBook: Illinois Prairie Wild Ones Dry Mesic (DM), Dry(D) Short Green Milkweed (Asclepias viviflora) Illinois Status Species in Greatest Need of Conservation. Poke Milkweed (Asclepias exaltata): This uncommon species is found in open woodlands, and it looks like a tall, spindly version of the more robust common milkweed. X�b��)c�V]�-%�l�}��Ιd���ZMňX�a�GD�(��%{�Cȉ|�Vu�FǬ$A��O�^v Milkweed Tiger Moth, Queen Butterfly. h޴�mO�0ǿ�_���Og;�Ф>P�DiGy�/B��iR%A�o����u0@k�ع��>�~��F�m��k��$��H�]�g Article written by Susan Shaw, University of Illinois Extension master naturalist volunteer. Monarchs need milkweeds because they MUST lay their eggs on milkweed leaves. The stems are smooth, round, and hairless, varying from light green to brilliant purplish red. Asclepias meadii . Clasping Milkweed on Sept. 13, 2015. It grows in dry or rocky open woods in the southern part of the state. The flowers are in large rounded clusters at the tops of the stems and in the upper leaf axils. Perennial for USDA hardiness zones 3a-9b (lows -39.9 °C or -40 °F) Native to eastern US and Canada. Threatened and Endangered Information: This plant is listed by the U.S. federal government or a state. ... Green comet milkweed. Asclepias exaltata L. – poke milkweed Subordinate Taxa. Plant Name: Poke, or Tall Milkweed (Asclepias exaltata) Quick Info: Easy to grow / perennial / shady / long-lived once established. The fruit pods are up to 4 inches long. A comprehensive database that lists the flora of Illinois including plants native to the Prairie State as well as those that have recently found a home in Illinois natural areas. 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