Asclepias rubra, Purple Savanna Milkweed!This species, one of 21 native Asclepias in Florida, is found only in the very western counties of the Panhandle. It has a strange distribution in the Eastern US - disjunct populations in Texas/Louisana, FL panhandle & S. Alabama, another population central Georgia, and then in the Carolina’s & up to New Jersey.I love the color of this species and how its horns arc and touch over the center column. It’s also relatively tall - some individuals reach up to

Asclepias Asperula🌿 #nature #botany #nectar #botanist #viral #reels | Crime Pays But Botany Doesn't

Asclepias nectar- the perfect summer time beverage….if you’re a monarch butterfly! 🦋Many pollinators will feed on the nectar and pollen of Asclepias tuberosa, but monarchs also need this plant as a starter home for their young. Monarch caterpillars can only feed on Asclepias (milkweed) plants. Our horticulturists grow milkweed in many of our gardens to provide this critical source of habitat. 🎥: Michael Miller, Horticulturist #MonarchButterfly #Asclepisa #MonarchWaystation #SmithsonianGardens

🌸 Milkweed (Asclepias spp) is a very important native plant in North America! There are over 100 species! The most common are Common Milkweed (Asclepias Syriaca) and Showy Milkweed (Asclepias Speciosa). 🌸 This plant is very important for the ecosystem! Please forage responsibly. Do not forage Milkweed in an area in which it isn't abundant. Leave plenty of flowers for the butterflies and leaves for the caterpillars and other bugs that enjoy and need them. 🌸 If you live in an area that doesn't