Asclepias (Milkweed)

Asclepias asperula (Antelope-Horns Milkweed) is a clump-forming perennial of upright or sprawling habit, boasting amazingly intricate, rounded clusters, 2 in. across (5 cm), of tiny flowers, each adorned with 5 upright pale green petals that cup upward over 5 white hoods. Blooming from spring to fall, the flowers are borne atop sturdy stems that are densely covered with minute hairs. They contrast with the foliage of long, narrow, bright green leaves, often folded lengthwise. They give way to green seed pods, which curve to resemble antelope horns. When the seed pods are ripe, they will appear to be a herd of antelopes resting out among the grasses, weeds, and wildflowers.

Noted for its very long blooming season, Asclepias curassavica (Tropical Milkweed) is an upright evergreen sub-shrub boasting eye-catching clusters of orange-red flowers adorned with yellow hoods from early summer to fall. The blooms occur on upright stems clad with lance-shaped, fresh green leaves. They give way to long, narrow seed pods in the fall. When the seed pods open, they reveal seeds with long, 3-4 in. (6-10 cm), silvery-white, silky hairs.

Asclepias fascicularis (Narrowleaf Milkweed) is a flowering perennial boasting attractive clusters, 4-5 in. across (10-12 cm), of lavender and white, starry flowers from early summer to fall. The blooms occur on upright thin stems clad with long, narrow, pointed leaves. They give way to smooth seed pods in the fall, which look great in dried flower arrangements. When the seed pods open, they reveal seeds with long, silvery-white, silky hairs. Adaptable to high or low water, heat, all types of soils (including clay), this is one of the easiest and fastest to establish of the milkweeds

Asclepias incarnata (Swamp Milkweed) is an erect, clump-forming perennial prized for its brilliant clusters of fragrant, lilac-pink flowers, which bloom continuously for weeks from mid to late summer. Sitting atop upright branching stems, clad with stiff, lance-shaped, taper-pointed leaves, the colorful umbels give way to attractive seed pods in the fall, which persist into winter. The flowers are a great source of nectar for butterflies, in particular for the monarch caterpillar.

Gomphocarpus physocarpus (Balloon Plant) is an upright perennial producing slender stems clad with lance-shaped, pale lime-green leaves. Pendulous clusters of small, white flowers with a slight vanilla scent are borne in the leaf axils in summer. Although not particularly showy, they attract butterflies and are followed by unusual, pale green fruits, almost translucent, covered with soft bristles. They ripen to tan before splitting open in fall and release great quantities of silky-haired seeds to the wind. An unusual addition to sunny beds and borders or large containers. Wonderful in fresh and dried floral arrangements. A real conversation piece!

Asclepias speciosa (Showy Milkweed) is an erect, clump-forming perennial prized for its brilliant spherical clusters of fragrant, pinkish-white, starry flowers, which bloom from late spring to early summer. They occur on stalks from the leaf axils and at the top of upright stems clad with velvety, large, oval, blue-green leaves. They give way to prominent seed pods in the fall, which look great in dried flower arrangements.

Asclepias syriaca (Common Milkweed) is a rhizomatous perennial prized for its domed clusters of sweetly scented, pinkish-purple, starry flowers, which bloom from early to late summer. The blooms occur in the upper leaf axils of upright stems clad with thick, large, oval, fresh green leaves adorned with red veins. They give way to prominent seed pods in the fall, which look great in dried flower arrangements. When the seed pods open, they reveal seeds with long, silvery-white, silky hairs. This is one of the easiest and fastest to establish of the milkweeds

Easy care, drought tolerant and deer resistant, Asclepias tuberosa (Butterfly Weed) is a bushy perennial prized for its brilliant clusters of bright orange to yellow-orange flowers which bloom continuously throughout summer. Sitting atop upright flowering stems clad with stiff, lance-shaped leaves, the colorful umbels, 2-5 inches across (5-12 cm), are followed by attractive seed pods in fall. The abundant foliage provides a dark-green backdrop which nicely compliments the cheerful flat umbel flowers. Butterfly Weed has no milky sap, unlike many of the other milkweeds.

Asclepias viridis (Green Milkweed) is an upright perennial boasting interesting clusters, about the size of a baseball, packed with tiny flowers, each adorned with 5 upright pale green petals that cup upward twice as high as their 5 purple hoods. Blooming from late spring to midsummer, the flowers are borne on sturdy stems clad with long, narrow, pale green leaves, often folded lengthwise. They give way to seed pods that contain seeds attached to a fine silk. When the pod splits open, the silk catches the breeze and flies away, carrying the seed.