Welsh’s Milkweed

Asclepias welshii

 Graphite on paper, 8x10

This rare (threatened) milkweed grows in southern Utah and northern Arizona on shifting sand dunes. It is an oasis for insects. I observed dozens of sweat bees and grasshoppers finding a meal or shade. Its leaves are unique in that the ones towards the top of the plant are fuzzy and oval, and as you move down the leaves become smooth and at the very bottom of the stem, the leaves are pointed.

The biggest threat to this charismatic plant are OHV’s that drive through its habitat.