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Definition of asclepias
asclepias
/æˈskliːpiəs/
as · cle · pi · as
Plural:asclepiases
asclepias Lexical Profile
CEFR
C1
Grade
11
Tier
3
Usage
Rare
• noun
1
Any herbaceous perennial plant of the genus Asclepias, native primarily to the Americas, characterized by milky sap, complex flowers, and serving as the primary host plant for monarch butterfly caterpillars.
Example
"The conservationist planted several varieties of asclepias in the garden to provide a crucial habitat and food source for migrating monarch butterflies."
Synonyms
View all synonyms for asclepiasWord Nuance & Usage
The word is capitalized as 'Asclepias' when used strictly as the scientific taxonomic genus name, but is generally lowercase when used as a common noun for the plants themselves.
Word Origin & Etymology
Named by the Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus in 1753 after Asclepius, the Greek god of medicine and healing, referencing the historical use of milkweeds in folk medicine to treat various ailments.
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Asclepias. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 12, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/asclepias