Asclepias curassavica Linnaeus. Scarlet Milkweed, Bloodflower. Phen: Jan-Dec. Hab: Ditches, disturbed areas; often cultivated, naturalizing (southwards in our region) and persistent as short-lived strays (northwards). Dist: Native of tropical America, cultivated as an ornamental, naturalized in FL and persistent and naturalizing northwards (see, e.g., Bradley et al. [in prep.]). Kartesz (2020) reports it for e. TN; this and other northern reports far inland and off the Coastal Plain are likely of plants only shortly persistent from cultivation.
Origin/Endemic status: Neotropics
Syn: = Bah, Fl5, K1, K3, K4, Meso4.1, Tx, WH3, Woodson (1954)
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© Keith Bradley | Original Image ⭷