Hunting Milkweeds
For my husband and me, “hunting” milkweeds has become a true passion. Whether we’re hiking the trails or driving along the backroads of our biodiverse state, we’re always on the lookout for these special plants. We have been fortunate to find many populations, from just a few stems to hundreds, on our own property and throughout various public lands, especially within the Refuge. I have lost count of how many different species we have encountered.
Our quest isn’t limited to our home state; we plot milkweed sightings wherever we travel. This year, during our first visit to the Dominican Republic, our “milkweed radar” was on high alert. Even after a tense encounter with an armed guard, we were rewarded with a surprise find: Caribbean milkweed (photo left) growing at the mountaintop reserve we were there to hike!
My husband tends to have a sixth sense for these plants, and we’ve both honed our eyes to focus on these extraordinary finds. Despite all our discoveries, one particular species had escaped our radar for some time—until just a couple of weeks ago. So let me introduce you to Asclepias tomentosa and happy hunting!
Asclepias tomentosa, commonly known as sandhill or velvetleaf milkweed, is a native perennial herb found predominantly in Florida and other parts of the Southeastern Coastal Plain. Its species name, tomentosa, is a nod to the dense, velvety hairs that cover its leaves, giving the plant a soft, fuzzy texture. This unique milkweed thrives in dry, sandy habitats such as longleaf pine sandhills, scrubby flatwoods, and coastal dunes. It is well-adapted to these xeric conditions, with stems that grow stiffly and upright to a height of about two to three feet. In the warmer months, typically from May through August, the plant produces pale green to yellowish-green flowers in terminal umbels. These flowers, while not as vibrant as some other milkweed species, are a vital nectar source for a variety of pollinators.
Like all native milkweeds, Asclepias tomentosa plays a critical role in the Florida ecosystem as a host plant for monarch, queen, and soldier butterflies. The leaves provide the essential food source for the caterpillars of these species, which have evolved to tolerate the milky, toxic sap within the plant. As a native species, it is part of the natural cycle of monarch migration and does not present the same risks as non-native tropical milkweed (Asclepias curassavica). While A. tomentosa is not currently considered to be of major conservation concern, its habitat is threatened by land development and fire suppression, which are major issues in the sandhill ecosystems where it thrives. Efforts to protect and restore these unique habitats are crucial for the long-term survival of this and many other native Florida plants.