Asclepias amplexicaulis is also known as sand milkweed and grows to 3 or 4 feet in height. It has pink flowers like the common milkweed, but the flower cluster is less dense. The distinguishing feature of the plant, however, is the way the leaves are curled or whorled. This milkweed prefers dry soil conditions, and grows best in full sun to partial shade. Asclepias amplexicaulis blooms from mid June to early July, on Cape Cod. It requires dry, sandy soil, is rhizomatous, and drought tolerant. This plant attracts bees, ants, and butterflies.
I would not mind seeing more of this species in my woodland garden. Although the bloom period is rather short (by July 31 all the flowers were gone), the flowers do attract many insects and the leaves are showy, especially in a mass planting.
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