Selected Plants of Navajo Rangelands

Diné bikéyah Chi’l nooséłígíí Bąąhą́ą́nosin
Take care of our Navajo Rangelands

Milkweed
Ch’ilabe’é

Close-up of Asclepias asperula showing purple hoods and green-white corolla lobes
Patrick Alexander
Asclepias asperula

Milkweed is an important forage plant for Monarch butterflies and bees. Numerous milkweeds grow in the southwest United States. Some are native, and others are introduced. The stems and leaves produce a milky sap when broken. The plants grow to heights of about 1 to 3 feet. Their most distinctive feature is the form of the flowers, which are almost orchidlike. After flowering, the plants form a pod filled with white fibers and brown seeds.

Species found in Navajo rangelands include antelopehorn (Asclepias asperula) and broadleaf milkweed (Asclepias latifolia).

Asclepias asperula plant with upright foliage and round flower clusters
Patrick Alexander
Asclepias asperula
Bulbous seedpods and foliage of Asclepias asperula
Patrick Alexander
Asclepias asperula
Close-up of Asclepias asperula showing purple hoods and green-white corolla lobes
Patrick Alexander
Asclepias asperula
Flowers and broad, light green foliage of Asclepias latifolia
Patrick Alexander
Asclepias latifolia
Close-up of the flowers of Asclepias latifolia, which are primarily a creamy white
Patrick Alexander
Asclepias latifolia
Upright growth habit and broad foliage of Asclepias latifolia
Patrick Alexander
Asclepias latifolia
Small white flowers in the foreground; undersides of veined leaves in the background.
Russ Kleinman
Large pointed pods growing from glossy light green foliage.
Russ Kleinman
Single, glossy green leaf with prominent veins.
Russ Kleinman
Large pointed pod detached from plant, with woody stem.
Russ Kleinman
Interior of pod, showing a glossy, tightly wrapped elongated disk.
Russ Kleinman
Close-up of the scales of the structure in the interior of the pod.
Russ Kleinman
Scientific Name
Asclepias spp.
Plant Type
Forb
Growing Season
Warm Season
Habitats
  • Grasslands
  • Wastelands
Flower Colors
  • Blue / Purple
  • Green
  • White
⚠
Poisonous to livestock
✓
Good insect forage
For definitions, see the glossary.

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