Family
Asclepiaceae
Distribution in Canada
Found in SK, MB, ON, QC, NB, NS, PE
Duration of life cycle
Perennial
Seed/Fruit type
True seed
Seed identification features
Size
- length: 6.0–7.0 mm
- width: 5.0–6.0 mm
Shape
- tear-drop shaped (widest near base)
- base is flat (appears cut off)
- seed is very thin
Surface texture
- smooth, dull
- outer wing of seed is bubbled
Colour
- overall reddish-brown colour, darkening towards centre of seed
- reddish-brown marking on one side of seed
Other structures
- wing differs from seed in texture and in colour (lighter)
- hilum not obvious, at base of seed
- fresh seed in capsule has a tuft of white hairs (mature seed does not)
Similar species
Showy milkweed (Asclepias speciosa), butterflyweed (Asclepias tuberosa)
- showy milkweed is found in BC, AB, SK, MB, and in the western United States
- butterflyweed is found in ON, QC, and in the eastern and southern United States
- seeds of both species are similar to common milkweed seeds in teardrop shape, size, reddish-brown colour and markings
- it may be necessary to examine habitat and distribution pattern of the milkweed to aid in identification
Photos
Similar species
