Asclepias curassavica (Tropical Milkweed)

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. Flowers are a great source of nectar for butterflies, hummingbirds, bees, and other beneficial insects. 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. A great choice for the flower garden and for natural settings.

Milkweed plants are critical to monarch butterflies’ survival, whose population in North America has plummeted by 90% in the last 20 years. However, according to the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation, Tropical Milkweed does more harm than good when planted in temperate areas where it does not die back in winter. A protozoan parasite of monarch butterflies, Ophryocystis elektroscirrha, can travel with monarchs visiting the plants and become deposited on leaves. When caterpillars hatch and start eating the plant, they ingest the OE. This results in lower migration success in the eastern monarch population, as well as reductions in body mass, lifespan, mating success, and flight ability. When Tropical Milkweed dies back after blooming, the parasite dies along with it so that each summer’s monarch population feeds on fresh, parasite-free foliage. 

• Grows up to 2-3 ft. tall (60-90 cm) and 18-24 in. wide (45-60 cm). Self-seeds profusely in warm winter areas.
• Thrives in full sun and is quite tolerant of different soil types, growing well in dry, moist, and wet soils.
• Low maintenance, this perennial plant is generally pest and disease free. Deer resistant.
• Perfect for sunny borders, cottage gardens, butterfly gardens, and prairies or naturalized areas. Great for containers or as an indoor plant too!
• Propagate by seed, division, or basal cuttings.
• All parts, particularly the roots, may cause mild stomach upset if ingested. Plants can be poisonous to livestock.
• Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.
• Native to South America