Asclepias longifolia

Milky sap, no hairs. Usually found in piney woods. White flowers with purple cast. Narrow, opposite leaves and hoods that are bent abruptly away from the anther.

Prefers full sun although it will tolerate some shade. It is easily propagated by seed and the seed requires no treatment. 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 in pots or where it is to grow in the ground. The germination of stored seed improves with cold/moist stratification (Steffen 1997). Seeds average approximately 50,000 seed/lb and the recommended planting rate is 25 lbs/acre. 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.

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).

Pine savannas, bogs, sandstone glades, and coastal prairies.