Asclepias viridiflora

Green Milkweed, Green Comet Milkweed

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Family: Apocynaceae (Dogbane family)

Mid-Atlantic bloom time: June - August
Mid-Atlantic fruit ripe: August - September

Green Milkweed's flowers are green and sweet-smelling, and are in dense clusters at the top of the plant. Its leaves have a lighter underside than their upperside and may have light hairs. Like most milkweeds, Green Milkweed has a deep rootstock that helps the plant survive fire and drought.

The genus name Asclepias refers to the Greek god of medicine Asklepios; its species name viridiflora, means "green flower". The alternative common name "Comet" comes from the shape of the flower that was thought to resemble a comet's head and tail.




21 June 2014
Ivy Creek Natural Area, Charlottesville, VA
21 June 2014
Ivy Creek Natural Area, Charlottesville, VA
(flowers not open yet)
21 June 2014
Ivy Creek Natural Area, Charlottesville, VA
(flowers not open yet)
23 August 2022
Haymarket, Virginaia
(ripe follicle (i.e., seed pod))




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