Asclepias physocarpus (Balloon Plant)

Noted for its curious balloon-like seed pods, 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, up to 3 in, across (7 cm), 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. Balloon Plant is an unusual addition to sunny beds and borders, as a specimen plant, or in large containers. Wonderful in fresh and dried floral arrangements. A real conversation piece!

• Grows up to 4-6 ft. tall (120-180 cm) and 2-3 ft. wide (60-90 cm). Self-seeds profusely in warm winter areas.
• Thrives in full sun in dry to medium, well-drained soils. Drought tolerant.
• 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.
• Easily propagated from seed.
• All parts of this plant exude milky white latex that is mildly poisonous if ingested.
• Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.
• In 2001, its name was changed from Asclepias physocarpa to Gomphocarpus physocarpus to reflect that it belongs to the family of African milkweeds.
• Native to South Africa