Asclepias lanceolata

Red and/or orange flowers and very linear leaves. Corolla flame orange/red. Similar to A. curassavica which is an annual with fibrous roots. Very linear leaves.

Prefers full sun although it will tolerate some shade. It is propagation easily from seed, and the seed will germinate with no treatment. Rogers et al. (1958) reported that faster and more complete germination resulted from scarification. The pods split 4-6 weeks after flowering and the seeds should be kept in the pod until ripe. Fresh seed may be sown immediately. The germination of stored seed improves with cold/moist stratification (Steffen 1997). The recommended planting rate for seed is 25 lbs/acre. Plants blooms in 1-2 years from seed. Stem cuttings can be taken during the growing season, dipped in rooting harmone, and rooted in sand or potting soil.

Larval host plant of monarch butterflies. It is an excellent nectar producer and attracts multitudes of butterflies.

All milkweeds are called "herb 'a houatte" by Acadians and is thought to be a variation of "ouate" or "cotton wool". This name may refer to the use of its seed silk as down (Holmes 1990).

Savannas, swamps, and brackish marshes.