Mojave milkweed facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mojave milkweed |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Asclepias
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| Species: |
nyctaginifolia
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The Mojave milkweed (Asclepias nyctaginifolia) is a special type of milkweed plant. You can find it growing naturally in the southwestern United States. This includes places like California, Arizona, Nevada, and New Mexico. It loves to live in desert areas.
This plant is a perennial herb. This means it's a plant that lives for more than two years. It can grow up to about half a meter tall. That's about 20 inches! Sometimes it stands straight up, but other times it might bend or droop a bit.
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About Mojave Milkweed
Mojave milkweed is a fascinating plant. It is well-suited for life in the desert. This plant is an important part of its ecosystem. It provides food and shelter for different animals.
Where It Grows
Mojave milkweed is native to the Mojave Desert and other desert regions. These areas are found in the southwestern United States. It thrives in dry, sunny places. You might see it growing in sandy soils or rocky areas.
What It Looks Like
The Mojave milkweed has thick leaves. They are shaped like ovals or narrow spears. These leaves grow in pairs directly across from each other on the stem. Both the leaves and the stem usually have a few soft hairs.
Flowers and Fruits
The plant produces many flowers grouped together. These flower clusters are called an umbel. They can be up to 8 centimeters (about 3 inches) wide. The flowers are pale green with a hint of pink.
After the flowers bloom, the plant grows a large fruit. This fruit is called a follicle. It can be up to 9 centimeters (about 3.5 inches) long. Inside the follicle are the seeds.
Importance to Wildlife
Like other milkweeds, Mojave milkweed is very important. It serves as a food source for certain insects. Many butterfly species, especially monarch butterflies, rely on milkweed plants. The leaves are food for their caterpillars.
Images for kids
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Mojave milkweed plant
