Whitestem milkweed facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Whitestem milkweed |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Asclepias
|
| Species: |
albicans
|
Asclepias albicans is a type of milkweed plant. People often call it whitestem milkweed or wax milkweed. It gets these names because its stems can look white and waxy.
This plant grows naturally in the Mojave and Sonoran Deserts. You can find it in places like California, Arizona, and Baja California in Mexico.
Contents
What Does Whitestem Milkweed Look Like?
This milkweed is a tall, thin shrub. It usually grows between 1 to 3 meters (about 3 to 10 feet) tall. Sometimes, it can even reach almost 4 meters (13 feet)!
Its branches are mostly bare, like sticks. The younger branches have a waxy coating. They also have a thin layer of soft, woolly hairs.
Leaves and Flowers
The leaves of the whitestem milkweed are not around for long. They grow in groups of three on the lower branches. After a short time, they fall off. These leaves are thin and can be up to 3 centimeters (about 1 inch) long.
The plant's flowers grow in clusters called an umbel. An umbel looks like an umbrella, with many flower stalks coming from one point. These clusters appear at the ends of the long branches. They also sprout from the sides of the branches.
Each flower is small and has a greenish color with a hint of purple. In the center of each flower, there are round, hood-shaped parts. The petals of the flower bend backward, away from the center.
When Does It Flower?
Whitestem milkweed can bloom in almost any season. The only time it usually doesn't flower is during the summer.
Reproduction and Fruit
After the flowers are pollinated, the plant produces fruit. The fruit is a large, long, and thick pod called a follicle. These pods hang in bunches from the branches. Inside the pods are the seeds, often with silky hairs that help them fly away in the wind.
See also
In Spanish: Asclepias albicans para niños
