Velvetleaf milkweed
By LYNN ARTZ, SANDY TEDDER and DAVID RODDENBERRY
Velvetleaf milkweed (Asclepias tomentosa) is one of 21 species of milkweed native to Florida and one of 8 milkweeds at Sopchoppy Depot Park. The common name refers to the large leaves covered with hair and fuzzy in texture. In summer, greenish-white flowers with pink-to-maroon highlights form a conical cluster on the 2-3-foot stem. Found in sandy upland habitats, velvetleaf milkweed attracts many pollinators and is a larval host for monarch and queen butterflies. These caterpillars are adapted to feed on milkweeds despite the toxic milky sap which, in turn, protects the caterpillars from birds. Because of its size and large leaves, velvetleaf milkweed can host many more caterpillars than most native milkweeds. Velvetleaf milkweed is blooming now in the NE corner of the NW garden at Sopchoppy Depot Park.
