Curtiss’ milkweed (Asclepias curtissii)

Dogbane Family (Apocynaceae)
Curtiss’ milkweed is a long-lived, erect to reclining, perennial herb with milky sap, reaching 2.5 feet tall. The stems are usually unbranched and may be zigzag. The deciduous, opposite leaves are oblong to linear and shiny dark green. The numerous, purple-tinged, greenish white flowers bloom in stalked umbels. Flowers from May through September. Skipper butterflies and hairstreaks visit the flowers. The narrow spindle-shaped fruit contains many hairy-tufted seeds. Found only in peninsular Florida, it occurs in scrub, scrubby flatwoods, sandhills, and xeric hammocks. Individual plants are usually widely scattered, but may be abundant in areas of soil disturbance such as the edges of fire lanes, sandy roads, and other disturbed areas. Some plants may lie dormant some years. Sometimes placed in the milkweed family (Asclepiadaceae). Listed as endangered by the state of Florida.

Copyright Brett Miley