Red Milkweed Organisms / Plants / Herbaceous Flowers Asclepias lanceolata    Marl Prairie 3/14/04    Photographed by: Brianna Payne

Descriptive Information Field Marks: The Red Milkweed observed had flowers that were orange in color but are known to be more of a red-orange. There are five petals in which all are folded back. At first glance these petals appear to be sepals but what are usually thought of as the petals are actually an orange crown. Having five petals, the Red Milkweed is a monocot. The flowers are found in 2-3 inch clusters. Size: The following measurements were taken in the field. Plant Height- 2.5 feet Petal Length- 0.7 inches Stem Diameter- 2-3 millimeters General habitat: Wet meadows, swamps and ditches, pinelands, bogs, and marshes. Geographic range: Throughout the state of Florida Ecosystem(s) where observed: Marl Prairie References: Alden, Peter; Cech, Rick; Nelson, Gil. National Audubon Society Field Guide to Florida. Chanticleer Press, Inc. New York . Fifth Edition, July 2003. P 168 Taylor, Walter Kingsley. The Guide to Florida Wildflowers Taylor Publishing Company, Dallas. 1992. P 308   Observations on Appearance #1) A bright reddish orange to reddish purple, the red milkweed has five crown petals, each deeply curved up around a stamen, which is connected to the stigma. Five additional petals are reflexed; bending back to the stem. The floral arrangement is broad and flat; flowers found on terminal umbels. The stem has a slight purple tint, with tapered, linear leaves alternately emanating. The plant observed was found alongside a diversity of other plants and grasses, growing in marl and periphyton over limestone bedrock. There was only one plant of its kind in the area that was observed. #2) Finding the Red Milkweed in the Marl Prairie was no easy task. This magnificent flower was very dispersed in the prairie and out of our one hour in the prairie, we only saw three. Being a tall flower, the Red Milkweed seemed to be well adapted to windy conditions. While we were observing it, it was swaying back and forth and at times even difficult to get a picture of. Furthermore, while visiting the Red Milkweed and observing it very closely, small black ants came and went to help disperse the pollen. On average, about two or three of these ants were on each flower. The Red Milkweed is a beautiful plant and very well adapted to its environment. The Red Milkweed itself was not particularly found close to the road. Its only requirement was that the ground around it was moist. In the Marl Prairie there were spots of dryness and even small ponds. It seemed that the Red Milkweed had to have an intermediate between these two extremes to thrive. This is probably the reason they are so dispersed and few in the Marl Prairie. Other observations show that only the Marl Prairie saw grass grows around the Red Milkweed. This great plant is of beautiful design and worthy of further observation and study. An empty living room is brought to life by a beautiful art piece, a Monet. An empty field is brought to life by a beautiful flower, Lord of all Creation. Both deliver a sense of peace.