Largeflower milkweed

Pictured above: Largeflower milkweed (Asclepias connivens) by Stacey Matrazzo. Click on terms for botanical definitions. View post as a PDF.

Largeflower milkweed (Asclepias connivens) is a perennial wildflower found throughout much of Florida. It blooms in late spring through summer. It occurs naturally in moist pine flatwoods, savannahs and bogs.

Its conspicuous flowers begin as purplish buds, and open into whitish- to yellowish-green, rounded blooms that can be as wide as 1 inch each. Sepals are broad and curve slightly up. Petals are robust and appear hooded. Compared to other milkweeds, the flowers are quite unusual. Leaves are linear in shape, sessile and oppositely arranged. The stem is relatively thick and often leans. Like other milkweeds, it contains a milky sap. The overall greenish color of the plant can make it difficult to spot in its natural setting.

Family: Apocynaceae (Dogbane family)
Native range: Central to western Panhandle, northeast and central peninsula, Miami-Dade County
To see where natural populations of Largeflower milkweed have been vouchered, visit www.florida.plantatlas.usf.edu.
Hardiness: Zones 8A–11
Soil: Moist to nearly wet soil
Exposure: Full sun
Growth habit: up to 2’ tall
Garden tips: Largeflower milkweed may be propagated by seed, however, seed and plants are not typically available commercially.

Largeflower milkweed buds and emerging blooms
Largeflower milkweed (Asclepias connivens) by Stacey Matrazzo

For more information on other Asclepias species, see these resources: