Asclepias eriocarpa (Woollypod Milkweed)

Asclepias eriocarpa (Woollypod Milkweed) is an erect perennial boasting intricate clusters, 4-5 in. across (10-12 cm), of pink, white, or cream-colored flowers from late spring to mid-fall. Their corollas fold back so that the hoods stand erect over them. Giving off a wax fragrance, the flowers are borne on stout and long pedicels that arise from the leaf axils at the top of the plant. The succulent-looking foliage of lance-shaped, gray-green leaves, 3-5 in. long (7-12 cm), is covered with fine hairs giving it a silvery appearance. Flowers are a great nectar source for bees, beneficial insects, and butterflies. They give way to large seed pods, covered with long, wholly hairs. A great choice for the flower garden and for natural settings. Most attractive when massed.

Milkweed plants are critical to monarch butterflies‘ survival, whose population in North America has plummeted by 90% in the last 20 years. By planting milkweed in your own garden, you can help reverse the fortune of these beautiful insects!

• Grows up to 2-4 ft. tall (60-120 cm) and 2-3 ft. wide (60-90 cm).
• Thrives in full sun to part shade in dry to medium, well-drained soils. Tolerates a variety of soils including clay soils. Drought tolerant once established.
• 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.
• Propagate by seed (no treatment).
• Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.
• Milkweeds contain cardiac glycosides, naturally occurring drugs that increase the force of heart contraction and have been used to treat heart conditions. The cardiac glycosides are potentially poisonous to humans. But they pose the most danger to grazing animals. However, it should be noted that not all milkweed species are equally toxic. Among the most toxic are Asclepias labriformis (Labriform Milkweed), Asclepias subverticillata (Western Whorled Milkweed), Asclepias eriocarpa (Woolypod Milkweed), and Asclepias fascicularis (Mexican Whorled Milkweed).
• Native to California and adjacent parts of Nevada and Baja California.