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Description
Asclepias Glaucophylla, also known as the white-stemmed milkweed or the blue milkweed, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the Asclepiadaceae family. It is native to the United States and can be found in the south-central region of the country.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Gentianales |
| Family | Asclepiadaceae |
| Genus | Asclepias |
Appearance
Asclepias Glaucophylla can grow up to 3 feet in height and has a spread of about 2 to 3 feet. The plant has a thick stem that is white or grayish in color and has a milky sap. The leaves are oblong in shape and can be up to 5 inches long. The flowers are small and clustered on the top of the stem, with each cluster containing up to 20 flowers. The flowers are usually white or pale pink in color and have a sweet fragrance. The plant blooms from May to August.
Care Guide
Asclepias Glaucophylla is easy to care for and can thrive in most soil types. Here are some care tips:
- Water: Water the plant regularly, especially during the hot summer months.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a month with a balanced fertilizer.
- Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: The plant requires full sun exposure to thrive.
- Hardiness zones: Asclepias Glaucophylla can grow in USDA hardiness zones 6 to 9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Asclepias Glaucophylla is generally pest and disease-resistant. However, here are some common issues that may arise:
- Milkweed bugs: These bugs can feed on the sap of the plant and cause damage.
- Aphids: These tiny insects can suck the sap from the plant and cause stunted growth.
- Fungal diseases: Overwatering can lead to fungal diseases such as root rot and powdery mildew.
Habitat
Asclepias Glaucophylla is native to the United States and can be found in the south-central region of the country. The plant can grow in a variety of habitats, including prairies, meadows, and open woodlands.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Asclepias Glaucophylla toxic to humans or animals?
A: Yes, the plant contains toxins that can be harmful if ingested. It is not recommended to consume the plant.
Q: Can Asclepias Glaucophylla be grown in containers?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown in containers as long as the container is large enough to accommodate the plant’s root system.
Q: Does Asclepias Glaucophylla attract butterflies?
A: Yes, the plant is a host plant for the monarch butterfly and attracts other butterfly species as well.
Q: How often should Asclepias Glaucophylla be pruned?
A: The plant does not require regular pruning. However, deadheading the flowers can encourage more blooms.
Related Plants
- Asclepias incarnata
- Asclepias syriaca
- Asclepias tuberosa
- Asclepias verticillata
References
- “Asclepias Glaucophylla.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=276243.
- “Asclepias Glaucophylla.” Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=ASGL2.
- “Asclepias Glaucophylla.” USDA Plants Database, https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=ASGL2.
