For diagrams explaining the complex Milkweed flower structure, click and then scroll down to #4. Very interesting.

Also click to see the ultimate Asclepias page.

And give one more click to read a very entertaining and scientifically accurate account of Asclepias pollination.

See also Asclepias macrosperma and tuberosa and Asclepias asperula

Semi-desert. Deep sands. Spring.
Above: East of Bluff, Utah, May 6, 2014 and April 18, 2017.
Left: East of Bluff, Utah, May 6, 2014.

This rare, Four Corners area endemic Milkweed is found in deep sands or gravelly places at the lowest elevations of our area. The plant is quite slender, almost always leans, grows to no more than 7 inches tall, and occurs in small populations.

What appear to be white petals in the photos are actually unusual Milkweed floral parts called "hoods". The petals are pink/lavender and reflexed (bent backward and downward) below the hoods. Within the hoods (and not visible in these photographs ) are minute horn-shaped structures that are attached to the inside of the hood and barely protrude from the hoods. The horns arch toward the center of the flower.

In 1938 in Apache County, Arizona, economic botanist Hugh Cutler, collected this species for science and it was named and described in 1939 by Robert Woodson. (Click for more biographical information about Cutler.)

Range map © John Kartesz,
Floristic Synthesis of North America

State Color Key

Species present in state and native
Species present in state and exotic
Species not present in state

County Color Key

Species present and not rare
Species present and rare
Species extirpated (historic)
Species extinct
Species noxious
Species exotic and present
Native species, but adventive in state
Eradicated
Questionable presence

Range map for Asclepias cutleri