| Asclepias eriocarpa | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Asterids |
| Order: | Gentianales |
| Family: | Apocynaceae |
| Genus: | Asclepias |
| Species: | A. eriocarpa |
| Binomial name | |
| Asclepias eriocarpa | |
| Synonyms | |
Asclepias fremontii | |
Asclepias eriocarpa is a species ofmilkweed known by the common nameswoollypod milkweed,Indian milkweed, andkotolo. It is a perennial herb that grows in many types of habitats.
Asclepias eriocarpa is an erect perennial herb which is usually coated in a thick layer of white hairs. The leaves are lance-shaped to oval, rippled, and arranged oppositely in pairs or in whorls of 3 or 4. Theinflorescence is a largeumbel-like cluster of flowers. Each flower is white to cream and usually tinted with bright pink. It has a central array of rounded hoods and a corolla reflexed against the stalk. The fruit is a large, woollyfollicle. Flowers bloom May to October.[2]
Asclepias eriocarpa is native toCalifornia and adjacent parts ofNevada andBaja California. It grows in many habitat types such as rocky hillsides, woods, deserts, and especially dry areas.[2]
The plant was used as a source of fiber and medicine by several California Indian groups, including theOhlone andLuiseño.[3] TheConcow tribe calls the plantbō'-kō (Konkow language).[4]
Asclepias eriocarpa is a specificmonarch butterfly food andhabitat plant.It is one of the most poisonous milkweeds. Natural History July/August 2015 calls it the most poisonous, but most sources put it belowA. lancifolia (now known as Asclepias perennis).[dubious –discuss]
