ASCLEPIAS. Milkweed. The Americas, South Africa. This is a group of over 100 species, ranging from annuals to shrubs and sharing its own family (Asclepiadaceae) with a large number of other mostly tropical genera. Most of the milkweeds, reflecting their common name, have a milky, usually toxic juice which flows freely from every cut or break. Those of interest here are perennials producing several to many stems from a compact, somewhat tuberous base. They have paired, lance-shaped to broadly oval leaves and produce broad clusters of waxy, long-lived flowers at the shoot tips. Structure of the flowers is normal at first glance, with the common five petals and sepals. On closer inspection it is nearly inscrutable; the stamens are fused into a flat-headed column which hides the pistil, and there are confusing appendages. Yet they are often quite beautiful, and amazingly attractive to butterflies. In the case of the spectacular monarch, the leaves also provide food for the caterpillars. When the flowers have withered, there are large, inflated pods, interesting in dried arrangements, which open to scatter fluffy seeds on the winds. Most delight in a sunny spot, with reasonably well drained soil. Water requirements and hardiness vary widely.
curassavica. South America. This is a short-lived, semi-woody perennial, its many leafy stems forming a 3’ mound. The leaves are roughly lance-shaped, up to 6" long, and dark green in color. Tipping each shoot in late summer and fall are clusters of brilliant red and yellow half-inch blossoms. The narrow pods are up to 6" long. There is also, among others, a form producing uniformly bright golden yellow flowers. Moderate to regular watering. It is hardy to about 25oF; either the plants should be protected in winter, or seeds should be collected and replanted each season.
speciosa. Showy milkweed. I have admired this western native for many years in the wild and am pleased to be able to offer it to gardeners. This is a robust perennial, with several erect stems rising as much as 4’. Paired at intervals along them are broad 3-6", usually white-woolly leaves. It flowers in late spring and summer, producing many-flowered clusters of rose purple to pale pink or white flowers. The seed pods are large and knobby, making an interesting display. Moderate to occasional watering. Hardy, in this material, to 10oF. or less.
tuberosa. Butterfly weed. Eastern U.S. A tough, hardy perennial, clumping from a narrow base. The erect 1½’ to 3’ stems are lined with brushes of narrow, dark green leaves. For several weeks in summer it carries broad heads of waxy bright orange blossoms, which are followed by interesting horned pods. Sun, well drained soil, little supplemental watering. Hardy to below 0oF.