About Asclepias amplexicaulis Sm.
Asclepias amplexicaulis Sm. grows between 1–3 feet (0.30–0.91 meters) in height. Its leaves are ovate to ovate-elliptic in shape, arranged oppositely, and most commonly occur in 4 to 6 pairs. They are roughly 8 to 15 centimeters long and 4 to 8 centimeters wide. The plant’s root system reaches 45 to 60 centimeters in length, is relatively unbranched, and has few lateral roots. It produces flowers in summer. Historically, this plant was eaten as food. However, it contains a poison that is dangerous to humans and livestock, so caution is required if ingesting it. Its flowering phenology ranges from spring to summer; flowering as early as April has been observed, with peak inflorescence in May. In terms of fire ecology, Asclepias amplexicaulis grows in fire-prone ecosystems such as longleaf pine flatwoods, and it has been documented to persist through repeated prescribed burns.
