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Plants that fill a similar niche:
Asclepias humistrata Somewhat prostrate growing form
Asclepias variegata Asclepias variegata
Cicuta maculata Cicuta maculata
Asclepias viridis has some common insect problems:
Milkweed Bug

Green Antelopehorn Asclepias viridis

Other Common Name(s):

Previously known as:

  • Asclepiodora viridis
Phonetic Spelling
as-KLEE-pee-as VEER-ih-diss
This plant has low severity poison characteristics.
See below
Description

Green antelopehorn is an herbaceous perennial in the dogbane (Apocynaceae) family that is native to the central and east central United States. It is found in calcareous hammocks, dry woodlands, pine rocklands, and prairies. The Genus name honors Asclepius (Asklepios), the Greek god of medicine; the species name is Latin for “green,” referring to the flower color.

Requires a sunny, well-drained spot and prefers soil with a neutral pH. Propagate from seed.

Best in naturalized areas, meadow, prairie or drought-tolerant plantings; also consider green antelopehorn for butterfly, pollinator gardens, or in a border if there isn't too much competition from other plants.

Milkweed is an important food source for the Monarch butterfly caterpillar (Danaus plexippus).

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No significant disease problems. Most common milkweed pests (aphids, milkweed beetles, Monarch larvae, and milkweed tussock moth larvae) are not problematic, but both large and small milkweed bugs can be very damaging to seed pods.

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#showy flowers#drought tolerant#low maintenance#herbaceous perennial#Monarch butterfly#naturalized area#butterfly friendly#problem for cats#problem for dogs#bee friendly#problem for horses#butterfly caterpillar host#pollinator garden#border
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#showy flowers#drought tolerant#low maintenance#herbaceous perennial#Monarch butterfly#naturalized area#butterfly friendly#problem for cats#problem for dogs#bee friendly#problem for horses#butterfly caterpillar host#pollinator garden#border
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Asclepias
    Species:
    viridis
    Family:
    Apocynaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Seed
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Midwest, South-central and southeastern USA
    Distribution:
    AL, AR, FL, GA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MO, MS, NE, OH, OK , SC, TN, TX, WV
    Wildlife Value:
    Nectar and larval host plant that attracts bees, butterflies (notably Monarchs), hummingbirds (milkweeds are a source of insects as well as nectar), moths (especially milkweed tussock moths and their larvae), pollinators, predatory Insects, and specialized bees.
    Dimensions:
    Height: 1 ft. 6 in. - 2 ft. 6 in.
    Width: 1 ft. 0 in. - 2 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Herbaceous Perennial
    Poisonous
    Habit/Form:
    Erect
    Growth Rate:
    Medium
    Maintenance:
    Low
    Texture:
    Medium
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Soil Texture:
    High Organic Matter
    Loam (Silt)
    Sand
    Shallow Rocky
    Soil pH:
    Neutral (6.0-8.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Occasionally Dry
    Available Space To Plant:
    12 inches-3 feet
    NC Region:
    Coastal
    Mountains
    Piedmont
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Color:
    Brown/Copper
    Display/Harvest Time:
    Fall
    Summer
    Fruit Type:
    Follicle
    Fruit Length:
    > 3 inches
    Fruit Width:
    1-3 inches
    Fruit Description:
    Fruits are slightly hairy follicles forming upright 3- to 6-inch long 2.5-inch wide pods filled with 50 to 100 brown seeds with attached coma (white fluffy fiber) that facilitates wind dispersal.
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Green
    Purple/Lavender
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Umbel
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Fragrant
    Showy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Spring
    Summer
    Flower Shape:
    Tubular
    Flower Petals:
    4-5 petals/rays
    Flower Size:
    < 1 inch
    Flower Description:
    Terminal umbels 3 to 5 inches wide are comprised of 10 or more green flowers with 5 upright corolla lobes (petals), topped with purple hoods; horns absent. Bloom time is spring and summer.
  • Leaves:
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Leaf Feel:
    Smooth
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Opposite
    Leaf Shape:
    Lanceolate
    Ovate
    Leaf Margin:
    Entire
    Hairs Present:
    Yes
    Leaf Length:
    3-6 inches
    Leaf Width:
    1-3 inches
    Leaf Description:
    Leaves are simple, alternate to sub-opposite, with sessile to short petiolate attachment, ovate to lanceolate shaped, white veins, 2.5 to 6 inches long and 1 to 7 inches wide. The leaf's undersides are lighter than the dark green upper surfaces with minute hairs.
  • Stem:
    Stem Color:
    Green
    Purple/Lavender
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Surface:
    Hairy (pubescent)
    Stem Description:
    Multiple stems growing from the plant's base are green to purple, sometimes hairy toward the tips.
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Naturalized Area
    Slope/Bank
    Landscape Theme:
    Drought Tolerant Garden
    Pollinator Garden
    Design Feature:
    Border
    Attracts:
    Bees
    Hummingbirds
    Moths
    Pollinators
    Specialized Bees
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Deer
    Problems:
    Poisonous to Humans
    Problem for Cats
    Problem for Dogs
    Problem for Horses
  • Poisonous to Humans:
    Poison Severity:
    Low
    Poison Symptoms:
    Can cause stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, weakness, lethargy, and confusion if eaten in quantity. Milky sap can cause contact dermatitis and eye irritation.
    Poison Toxic Principle:
    Cardiac glycoside
    Causes Contact Dermatitis:
    Yes
    Poison Part:
    Flowers
    Leaves
    Stems