Names and Myths

Asclepias from Asclepius the mythical son of Apollo the first great Greek healer

incarnata flesh colored

Natural history / Folklore

Grown in Europe as an ornamental.³² Plants contain many toxins, and were used for a variety of ills. The Meskwaki believed that a tea made from it would drive worms from the body within an hour, it has strong laxative properties; but the toxicity of the plants can not be overstressed.⁸ Monarch egg laying site nectar sources for Tiger swallowtail, painted lady, red admiral, several skipper species, cabbage and sulfur butterflies.

Description

A showy milkweed with wine-rose-colored flowers in flat toped clusters. Willow like leaves and a hollow stem.⁴⁸ Peak flowering in July moist to wet soil.