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Description
Asclepias Crispa, commonly known as the curly milkweed, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the Asclepiadaceae family. It is native to the eastern United States and grows up to 3 feet tall. The plant has a strong root system and produces a milky sap that can be toxic if ingested.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Gentianales |
| Family | Asclepiadaceae |
| Genus | Asclepias |
Appearance
The leaves of Asclepias Crispa are dark green and glossy, and they have a curly appearance that gives the plant its common name. The flowers are small and white, and they grow in clusters at the top of the stem. The plant blooms from May to August and produces elongated seed pods that split open to release seeds attached to silky hairs that help the wind to disperse them.
Care Guide
Asclepias Crispa prefers well-drained soil and full sun exposure. It is drought-tolerant but benefits from occasional watering during prolonged dry periods. The plant requires light fertilization in the spring and can be propagated by seed or division. It is hardy in zones 4-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Asclepias Crispa is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but it may occasionally be affected by aphids, spider mites, or milkweed bugs. These can be controlled with insecticidal soap or by introducing natural predators such as ladybugs. The plant may also be susceptible to fungal diseases such as powdery mildew or verticillium wilt.
Habitat
Asclepias Crispa is commonly found in open grasslands, meadows, and prairies. It is also found in disturbed areas such as roadsides and abandoned fields. The plant prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate dry conditions.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Asclepias Crispa toxic?
A: Yes, the plant produces a milky sap that can be toxic if ingested.
Q: How do I propagate Asclepias Crispa?
A: The plant can be propagated by seed or division.
Q: Does Asclepias Crispa attract butterflies?
A: Yes, the plant is a host plant for the monarch butterfly.
Q: What is the best time to prune Asclepias Crispa?
A: The plant should be pruned in the fall after the blooming season is over.
Related Plants
- Asclepias Tuberosa
- Asclepias Incarnata
- Asclepias Syriaca
- Asclepias Verticillata
References
- “Asclepias Crispa.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed August 10, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c355.
- “Asclepias Crispa – Plant Finder.” Dave’s Garden. Accessed August 10, 2021. https://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/122443/.
- “Curly Milkweed.” Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. Accessed August 10, 2021. https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=ASCR3.
