Antelope Horns

Antelope Horns, Asclepias asperula

Not to be confused with green antelopehorn, Antelope Horns, also called Spider Milkweed, is a common, clump-forming native perennial milkweed found in pastures and prairies from Kansas to Texas and westward. As expected, it is a source of food for the larvae of Monarch and other milkweed butterflies. Antelope Horns blooms intermittently from March through October. It can reach heights of up to 0.6 m (2 ft) and requires little water, but it does need full sun. The common name refers to the seed pods which curve to resemble antelope horns as well as the white horn-like stamens of the flower. While milkweed butterflies make use of the toxins, the milky sap can be an irritant to humans and other animals. In addition to the butterflies, it is an often sought plant for native pollinators.