| Asclepias cryptoceras | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Asterids |
| Order: | Gentianales |
| Family: | Apocynaceae |
| Genus: | Asclepias |
| Species: | A. cryptoceras |
| Binomial name | |
| Asclepias cryptoceras | |
Asclepias cryptoceras is a species of milkweed known by the common names jewel milkweed,[1]pallid milkweed, Humboldt Mountains milkweed, and cow-cabbage.[2] It is native to the Great Basin of western North America, where it grows in many types of habitat, especially dry areas.[3] This is a perennial herb growing low against the ground or drooping. It arises from a fleshy, woody rhizome-like root. The thick leaves are round to heart-shaped and arranged oppositely on the short stem. The inflorescence is a cluster of small flowers with centers of bright to dull pink hoods surrounded by pale-colored reflexed corollas. The fruit is a follicle held erect on a small stalk.
The Northern Paiute used the plant as a medicinal remedy, preparing the roots for headache and sores, and the latex for ringworm.[4][5]