Asclepias (Asclepiadaceae)
Milkweed, or butterfly weed, is a well known native of the Americas with nearly 115 different species that occur mostly in the tropics and arid land. The genus is an important food source for over 450 different insects that feed on some part of the plant. A critical plant for the native pollinator garden. Growing several species will create a continual food source. A well known medicinal plant to the first people, the genus name is a reference to the Greek god of medicine Asklepios. Was used to treat pulmonary complaints which gave rise to the name pleurisy root, particularly the orange flowered species Asclepias Tuberosa.
Milkweed, or butterfly weed, is a well known native of the Americas with nearly 115 different species that occur mostly in the tropics and arid land. The genus is an important food source for over 450 different insects that feed on some part of the plant. A critical plant for the native pollinator garden. Growing several species will create a continual food source. A well known medicinal plant to the first people, the genus name is a reference to the Greek god of medicine Asklepios. Was used to treat pulmonary complaints which gave rise to the name pleurisy root, particularly the orange flowered species Asclepias Tuberosa.
Milkweed, or butterfly weed, is a well known native of the Americas with nearly 115 different species that occur mostly in the tropics and arid land. The genus is an important food source for over 450 different insects that feed on some part of the plant. A critical plant for the native pollinator garden. Growing several species will create a continual food source. A well known medicinal plant to the first people, the genus name is a reference to the Greek god of medicine Asklepios. Was used to treat pulmonary complaints which gave rise to the name pleurisy root, particularly the orange flowered species Asclepias Tuberosa.
Selections
We have been growing several species. A. Tuberosa is orange flowered. A. Incarnata has pink flowers. We have also started propagating several uncommon species native to North America. A. exalta, or poke milkweed is woodland species that can grow 6 ft tall under good conditions. Flowers early. A. verticillate, or whorled milkweed, has narrow, whorled leaves. Found in meadows throughout North America. We are always adding new species as we find and trial them. Stay posted!