Inmortal
Asclepias Asperula
38.5119, -105.116
Field Notes
Description:
1-2 ft. perennial with an upright or sprawling habit. Stems are densely covered with minute hairs. The leaves are 4–8 inches long, narrow, and irregularly grouped, lanceolate. The long, thick, narrow leaves are often folded lengthwise. As the green seed pods grow in length and begin to curve, they resemble antelope horns. Its pale, greenish-yellow flowers, tinged maroon, are crowded in round, terminal clusters 3–4 inches across at the end of the flower stem and are intricately arranged. Inside the partially divided petals is a crown, out of which extend 5 white stamens with large, ball-like anthers, all symmetrically arranged.
Habitat:
It is an evergreen and prefers rocky or sandy soils of prairies, pastures, plains, hillsides, brushlands, and woodlands. Look for the plant on dry rocky hillsides. As to elevation, it should be below the Juniper-Pinion belt.
Notes:
The dried root is a reliable cardiac tonic, for congestive heart problems. It has also been known as a bronchial dilator and stimulates lymph drainage from the lungs. Can also be used as a medicine for asthma, bronchitis and lung infections. WARNING: This is a powerful medicine and must be used with caution! The plant should not be used during pregnancy, and may cause miscarriage up to the 6th week.
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