Q asclepias-speciosa

Showy Milkweed – Asclepias speciosa (ass-KLE-pee-us spee-see-OH-suh) Family: Asclepidaceae (Milkweed family) Native to: Much of western N. America & throughout CA; open areas on banks and flood plains of lakes, ponds, or waterways or moist areas in prairies on sandy, loamy, or rocky soils. Growth characteristics: herbaceous perennial mature height : 2-5 ft. mature width : 1-2 ft. Pretty herbaceous perennial that dies back to the ground in fall/winter. Leaves large, blue green with velvety silver hairs. Spreads via rhizomes. Note: foliage of all Milkweeds is toxic. This species is less toxic than others, and native peoples even ate young boiled seedpods in moderation. Blooms/fruits: Blooms in summer (May-July or Aug.). As name suggests, flowers are very showy – looks more like a garden plant than a wildflower. Large (4-5 in.) dense heads of small pink/white flowers with characteristic Milkweed shape. Very fragrant – nice addition to a scented garden! Uses in the garden: Pretty enough for any mixed flower bed; hardy enough for natural areas once established. Excellent choice for areas that get a little extra winter water like rain gardens, bio-swales, etc. A must for butterfly gardens. Can make paper, fiber from dried stems. Sensible substitute for: Non-native Milkweeds. Attracts: Excellent habitat for Monarch Butterfly larva and other insects. Birds use fibers for nests. Requirements: Element Requirement Sun Full sun (best) to part-shade. Soil Any local soil – very adaptable to all but the heaviest clays. Water Water well first summer; after that zone 1-2 to 2-3 (very occasional to occasional) water. Good for planting next to Zone 3 (regular water). Fertilizer None needed; light fertilizer won’t kill it. Other Management: Quite hardy and easy once established. Plant seedlings/plants when small and don’t move established plants (they have a deep taproot). Will spread via rhizomes & seeds. Propagation: from seed : easy; no treatment by divisions : carefully, when dormant Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 2, 8, 11, 19, 24 1/25/11 © Project SOUND

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Showy Milkweed – Asclepias speciosa (ass-KLE-pee-us spee-see-OH-suh)

Family: Asclepidaceae (Milkweed family)

Native to: Much of western N. America & throughout CA; open areas on banks and flood plains of lakes, ponds, or waterways or moist areas in prairies on sandy, loamy, or rocky soils.

Growth characteristics: herbaceous perennial mature height: 2-5 ft. mature width: 1-2 ft. Pretty herbaceous perennial that dies back to the ground in fall/winter. Leaves large, blue green with velvety

silver hairs. Spreads via rhizomes. Note: foliage of all Milkweeds is toxic. This species is less toxic than others, and native peoples even ate young boiled seedpods in moderation.

Blooms/fruits: Blooms in summer (May-July or Aug.). As name suggests, flowers are very showy –

looks more like a garden plant than a wildflower. Large (4-5 in.) dense heads of small pink/white flowers with characteristic Milkweed shape. Very fragrant – nice addition to a scented garden!

Uses in the garden: Pretty enough for any mixed flower bed; hardy enough for natural areas once

established. Excellent choice for areas that get a little extra winter water like rain gardens, bio-swales,

etc. A must for butterfly gardens. Can make paper, fiber from dried stems.

Sensible substitute for: Non-native Milkweeds.

Attracts: Excellent habitat for Monarch Butterfly larva and other insects. Birds use fibers for nests.

Requirements:

Element Requirement

Sun Full sun (best) to part-shade.

Soil Any local soil – very adaptable to all but the heaviest clays.

Water Water well first summer; after that zone 1-2 to 2-3 (very occasional to occasional)

water. Good for planting next to Zone 3 (regular water).

Fertilizer None needed; light fertilizer won’t kill it.