Family:
Asclepiadaceae
Toxic Parts:
all
Toxins:
cardiac glycosides, cardenolides
Flower Color:
  • flower color
Found:
gardens, woodlands, pastures, roadsides, fallows, waste areas, waterways

Geographical Distribution

Swanplant distribution - United States

Related Species

Swanplant

Gomphocarpus fruticosus

Milkweed, Balloon Cotton, Cape Cotton, Duck Bush, Narrowleaf Cottonbush, Swan Bush, Wild Cotton, Tinder Plant, Tennis Ball Plant
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Swanplant (Gomphocarpus fruticosus, also known as Asclepias fruticosa) is an upright shrubby perennial from the Asclepiadaceae plant family. It is native to Africa, and the southern parts of the Arabian Peninsula. It produces balloon-like or curved green fruits, which are covered in soft bristles. Each fruit contains numerous seeds topped with silky white hairs.

All parts of the plant, particularly the stems, contain a white milky sap (latex) which is made up of toxic cardiac glycosides.