(Asclepias ovalifolia)
Oval-leaf Milkweed

Oval-leaf Milkweed (Asclepias ovalifolia)

Alternative Names

Dwarf Milkweed

Description of Oval-leaf Milkweed (Asclepias ovalifolia)

Oval-Leaf milkweed (Asclepias ovalifolia), a member of the Apocynaceae (Dogbane Family), is a herbaceous perennial that grows to 2 feet tall and has white flowers that bloom in the summer.  The leaves are opposite, simple, entire margined, lanceolate, elliptic, to broadly ovate in shape, and are 2 to 4 inches in length and 0.75 to 1.75 inches in width.  This plant is hardy in zones 5-9.

Hosted Species

Monarch Butterfly (Danaus plexippus)

Nectar Species

Many butterflies and other insects use this plant as a nectar source.

Habitat

This milkweed grows in open areas such as woodlands, fields, prairies, and roadsides.  It is native to the upper midwest.

Range of Oval-leaf Milkweed (Asclepias ovalifolia)

Interesting Facts

The genus name, Asclepias, is the Greek name for the God of Medicine and the species names, ovalifolia, is Latin for “oval” referring to the shape of the leaves.   This milkweed can tolerate unlike some of the other milkweed species.