Are these milkweed sprouts? - Ask Extension
Are these milkweed sprouts? Last year they had thin brown seed pods (~4") with fluffy white seeds. If they aren't milkweed, what are they? Thanks.
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Are these milkweed sprouts? #637194
Asked May 18, 2020, 10:37 AM EDT
Are these milkweed sprouts? Last year they had thin brown seed pods (~4") with fluffy white seeds. If they aren't milkweed, what are they? Thanks.
Baltimore County Maryland
Expert Response
Hi - Yes, these look like milkweed (Asclepias sp.) seedlings or possibly dogbane (Apocynum), a native plant in the milkweed family which looks very similar.
The pods of dogbane are thin and up to four inches long. See photos on this page, https://www.marylandbiodiversity.com/view/1357 Milkweed pods tend to be plumper, not as thin. When the plants produce flowers later this season, that will help to determine the difference. Feel free to send us photos again then, if you wish, and we can take another look.
Christa
The pods of dogbane are thin and up to four inches long. See photos on this page, https://www.marylandbiodiversity.com/view/1357 Milkweed pods tend to be plumper, not as thin. When the plants produce flowers later this season, that will help to determine the difference. Feel free to send us photos again then, if you wish, and we can take another look.
Christa
Definitely dogbane. The pods looked just like those in the photo. Thanks!
You're welcome!
