Poke Milk-Weed (Asclepias Phytolaccoides)

Poke Milk-Weed (Asclepias Phytolaccoides) is a tall species growing from 2 to 6 feet in height. The flowers composing its clusters are fewer in number than those of the common milkweed but much larger and of a clear, ivory-white color. The flower stems are long and slender so that the entire cluster is in a nodding position, it being the only one of the genus in which all the flowers are pendent. The leaves are large and thin, and pointed at each end. The seed-pod is large and has a longer, more pointed tip than that of the Common Milkweed. Poke Milkweed is found, usually in dry situations, along the edges of woods or along roadsides, from Me. to Minn, and southwards. It flowers from June until August.

Whorled Milkweed (Asclepias Verticillata)

Whorled Milkweed (Asclepias Verticillata) is a very slender species, common in dry woods and on prairies in the South; found north to Mass. and Saskatchewan. The stem is slender, simple and rises from 1 to 3 feet high. The narrow linear leaves have their margins rolled under; they grow in closely clustered whorls about the stem, usually quite erect. The numerous, small, greenish-white flowers grow in a round clusters or umbels at the summit of the stem. It is a very dainty species, one not apt to be confused with any other member of the family. Both the stem and the leaves are slightly downy and have a whitish bloom. Their juices are milky like those of the others.

Purple Milkweed (Asclepias Purpurascens)

Purple Milkweed (Asclepias Purpurascens) is a common species whose umbels of deep magneta flowers loom up conspicuously in dry fields and thickets, from June until August. It is found from Me. to Minn, and southwards.

Four-Leaved Milkweed (A. Quadrifolia)

Four-Leaved Milkweed (A. Quadrifolia) bears one or two whorls of four leaves about midway of the stem and several pairs near the summit. It Is a delicate species with few clusters of small magenta flowers.