noilf^weeb Jfamil^. 



Purple Milkweed. Asclepias purpurascens. 



Found along dry roadsides in July. 



The generally single stalk vaiies from 1 to 3 feet in height, is tough- 

 fibred, slightly grooved, and a trifle downy to the touch ; it is very 

 milky. The color is light green, ci'imson at the Joints. 



The long, oval leaf is sharp-pointed at the tip and blunt at the 

 base ; its midrib is very flat on the top but round beneath, and the 

 cross-veins shovsr plainly ; the margin is entire, the edge curling under, 

 and the upper surface is smooth while the underside is velvety ; the 

 color is yellow-green, with a crimson midrib that is purple underneath. 

 The leaves, on short, thick purple stems, are placed in pairs, at alter- 

 nate angles with one another. 



The tubes belonging to the crown of this rather large flower are 

 long and oval in shape, their horns being short and broad with suddenly- 

 straight tips; the lobes are long, oval, and widely flaring; all these 

 parts are colored a strong, dark glowing crimson. The flowers ai'e set 

 on foot-stems that are twice their own length, and pale green in color; 

 they are arranged in a loose cluster upon a short, stout purplish stem, 

 and grow terminally, and from the angles of the upper leaves. 



This plant is inappi'opriately designated purpurascens, since its full 

 and beautiful crimson flowers are unusually pure in tone. 



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