Asclepias tuberosa Seeds

Asclepias tuberosa, is a tuberous perennial plant native to the dry prairies of North America. Appreciated for its exotic-looking orange flowering, it is a rather hardy plant. Its umbels of small star-shaped flowers come in different shades of orange and are intensely visited by pollinating insects. And its long, original fruits filled with white and silky seed plumes have earned it the nickname 'cottonweed'. Comfortable in dry terrain and rock gardens, it is perfect to accompany Euphorbias and Agaves.

Asclepias tuberosa is a plant of the Apocynaceae or Asclepiadaceae family, depending on the classification. It is native to the eastern and southeastern United States. With fairly rapid growth, it has a long and slender taproot capable of withstanding -15 °C (5°F) in well-drained soil. The plant forms a clump of sturdy, slightly hairy, unbranched stems that contain an irritating latex. The whole plant measures between 50 and 60 cm (20 and 24in) in height with a 50 cm (20in) spread. The stems are adorned with hairy leaves measuring 10 to 15 cm (4 to 6in) in length, ranging from light green to medium green, lanceolate to ovate in shape, arranged in spirals. They are deciduous and absent in winter. Flowering occurs from May to late September depending on the climate, and lasts for several weeks. At the end of the stems, appear cymes in the form of umbels, measuring 4 to 5 cm (2in) in diameter, composed of numerous small star-shaped flowers in various shades of bright orange, sometimes tinged with red or yellow. Nectar-rich, they are pollinated by certain butterflies and other bees. After pollination, fruits grouped in pairs up to 12 cm (5in) long form, carried at the end of an inclined peduncle. When ripe, these fruits split open to reveal numerous seeds with white plumes that will be dispersed by the wind. This plant is indifferent to soil type, but will appreciate soils rich in humus.

Asclepias tuberosa will find its place in sunny rock gardens, raised beds, or simply in dry-prone areas. Mix it with other rockery plants, Irises, or euphorbias for example. Its highly colourful flowers highlight the graphic design of agaves. Those who appreciate contrasts will pair it with the blue blooms of perennial flax or a sage like 'Blue Note'.

With its nectar-rich flowers, the Tuberous Milkweed attracts numerous insects, especially butterflies, which earned it the name 'Butterfly Weed' across the Atlantic.