About Asclepias subverticillata (A.Gray) Vail
Asclepias subverticillata (A.Gray) Vail grows up to 1.2 metres (4 feet) in height. Short branches hold leaves that measure between 2–12.5 centimeters (1–5 inches) in length. It blooms from May to September, producing umbels 2–3 cm (3⁄4–1+1⁄4 in) wide. Individual flowers reach up to 1.5 cm (1⁄2 in) across, and each flower has five petals and five sepals. Its smooth fruit pod is 5–10 cm (2–4 in) long, and the seeds inside the pod have long hairs. This species is native to New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado, Utah, parts of nearby U.S. states, and Mexico. Asclepias subverticillata is unpalatable and very toxic to livestock. Among the Zuni people, young boys eat the species' buds. Pods are gathered when they are two-thirds ripe, and their fibers are used for weaving clothing. The seed coma (hair mass) is made into cords, which are used to fasten plumes to prayer sticks.
