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Description
Asclepias Emoryi, also known as Emory’s milkweed, is a perennial wildflower native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It belongs to the Asclepiadoideae subfamily of the Apocynaceae family and is a member of the Asclepias genus, which consists of approximately 140 species of milkweeds.This species is an important host plant for monarch butterflies, as it provides both food and habitat for their larvae. The plant produces beautiful pink and purple flowers that bloom from late spring to early summer and attract various pollinators, such as bees and butterflies.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Gentianales |
| Family | Apocynaceae |
| Genus | Asclepias |
Appearance
Asclepias Emoryi typically grows up to 3 feet tall and 1-2 feet wide. Its leaves are oblong and up to 6 inches long, with a dull green color and a slightly hairy texture. The plant produces clusters of small, fragrant, pink and purple flowers that are about 1 inch in diameter. The flowers are followed by seed pods that split open to release seeds with silky hairs.
Care Guide
Asclepias Emoryi is a low-maintenance plant that thrives in full sun and well-draining soil. It is drought-tolerant, but regular watering during dry spells can help it grow faster and produce more flowers. Fertilization is not necessary, but a light application of compost or organic fertilizer in early spring can provide nutrients for the plant.This species is hardy in USDA zones 5-9 and can survive in temperatures as low as -20°F. However, it prefers warm climates and may not grow as well in cooler regions.
Common Pests & Diseases
Asclepias Emoryi is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, some common problems that may affect this species include:- Aphids: These small insects can damage the plant by sucking sap from its leaves and stems. They can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.- Milkweed bugs: These insects feed on the sap of milkweed plants and can cause wilting and discoloration. They can be removed by hand or controlled with insecticidal soap.- Leaf spot: This fungal disease can cause brown spots on the leaves of the plant. It can be prevented by ensuring good air circulation around the plant and avoiding overhead watering.
Habitat
Asclepias Emoryi is native to the southwestern United States, including Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and Oklahoma, as well as northern Mexico. It grows in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, deserts, and rocky slopes, and prefers well-draining soil and full sun.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Asclepias Emoryi a good plant for attracting butterflies?
A: Yes, Asclepias Emoryi is an important host plant for monarch butterflies and attracts various other pollinators, such as bees and butterflies.
Q: Can Asclepias Emoryi grow in containers?
A: While it is possible to grow Asclepias Emoryi in containers, it may not thrive as well as it would in the ground, as it prefers well-draining soil and may become root-bound in a container.
Q: Does Asclepias Emoryi require pruning?
A: Asclepias Emoryi does not require pruning, but deadheading spent flowers can encourage the plant to produce more blooms.
Q: Is Asclepias Emoryi toxic?
A: Asclepias Emoryi, like all milkweeds, contains toxic sap that can cause skin irritation and is poisonous if ingested by humans or animals.
Related Plants
Here are some other species of milkweeds that are related to Asclepias Emoryi:- Asclepias curassavica (tropical milkweed)- Asclepias tuberosa (butterfly weed)- Asclepias syriaca (common milkweed)- Asclepias incarnata (swamp milkweed)
References
– https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=asem- https://www.monarchwatch.org/milkweed/market/emory.htm- https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/milkweed/growing-emory-milkweed.htm- https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/plant-of-the-week/asclepias_emoryi.shtml
