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Description
Asclepias Californica, also known as California milkweed, is a perennial plant native to California and southwestern Oregon. It belongs to the milkweed family (Asclepiadaceae) and is an important host plant for monarch butterflies. Its scientific name “Asclepias” comes from the Greek God of Medicine, Asclepius, as it is believed that the plant has medicinal properties.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Gentianales |
| Family | Asclepiadaceae |
| Genus | Asclepias |
Appearance
Asclepias Californica can grow up to 6 feet tall and 3 feet wide. It has long, narrow leaves with a gray-green color and velvety texture. The flowers are pink, lavender, or white, and grow in clusters at the top of the plant. They are fragrant and attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. The plant also produces seed pods that split open when ripe, releasing seeds with silky hairs that help them disperse in the wind.
Care Guide
Asclepias Californica is a low-maintenance plant that thrives in full sun and well-draining soil. It is drought-tolerant but benefits from occasional watering during dry spells. Fertilization is not necessary, but adding organic matter to the soil can encourage healthy growth. The plant is hardy in USDA zones 7-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Asclepias Californica is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but can occasionally be affected by aphids, spider mites, or fungal infections. These can be treated with insecticidal soap or fungicide, respectively.
Habitat
Asclepias Californica is found in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, chaparral, and oak woodlands. It is also commonly grown in gardens and landscaping for its beauty and beneficial properties.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Asclepias Californica be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Asclepias Californica can be grown in containers as long as they are large enough to accommodate the plant’s size and have good drainage.
Q: Does Asclepias Californica need to be pruned?
A: Asclepias Californica does not need to be pruned, but deadheading spent flowers can encourage more blooms.
Q: How often should Asclepias Californica be watered?
A: Asclepias Californica is drought-tolerant and only needs to be watered occasionally during dry spells.
Q: What is the best time to plant Asclepias Californica?
A: Asclepias Californica can be planted in the spring or fall, but fall planting is preferred in areas with hot summers.
Related Plants
- Asclepias tuberosa
- Asclepias curassavica
- Asclepias speciosa
- Asclepias syriaca
References
- https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/plant-of-the-week/asclepias_californica.shtml
- https://www.monarchwatch.org/milkweed/california.htm
- https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/milkweed/growing-asclepias-milkweed.htm
- https://www.calflora.org/cgi-bin/species_query.cgi?where-calrecnum=789
