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Description
Asclepias Fascicularis, commonly known as narrow-leaved milkweed or Mexican whorled milkweed, is a herbaceous perennial plant belonging to the Asclepiadaceae family. It is native to western North America and can be found in many habitats, including meadows, grasslands, and coastal sage scrub. The plant can grow up to 3 feet tall and has narrow, lance-shaped leaves that grow in whorls around the stem. The flowers are small and pinkish-white, and bloom from late spring to mid-summer. Asclepias Fascicularis is an important host plant for monarch butterflies, as it provides a food source for their larvae.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Gentianales |
| Family | Asclepiadaceae |
| Genus | Asclepias |
Appearance
Asclepias Fascicularis has narrow, lance-shaped leaves that grow in whorls around the stem. The leaves are up to 4 inches long and 0.5 inches wide. The plant can grow up to 3 feet tall and has a branching stem. The flowers are small and pinkish-white, and bloom from late spring to mid-summer. The fruit is a narrow, cylindrical pod that can be up to 5 inches long and contains many seeds. The plant has a deep root system that allows it to tolerate drought and poor soil conditions.
Care Guide
Asclepias Fascicularis is a low-maintenance plant that requires little care once established. Here are some tips for caring for this plant:- Water: Asclepias Fascicularis is drought-tolerant and does not require frequent watering. Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season, and less frequently during the winter months.- Fertilization: Asclepias Fascicularis does not require fertilization. In fact, fertilizers can harm the plant and should be avoided.- Soil: Asclepias Fascicularis prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate poor soil conditions. The plant can grow in sandy, loamy, or clay soil.- Sunlight: Asclepias Fascicularis prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. The plant will bloom best in full sun.- Hardiness Zones: Asclepias Fascicularis is hardy in USDA zones 6-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Asclepias Fascicularis is relatively pest and disease-free. However, here are some potential issues to watch out for:- Aphids: These small insects can suck the sap from the plant, causing stunted growth and yellowing leaves. They can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.- Milkweed bugs: These insects feed on the seeds of the plant and can reduce seed production. They can be controlled by hand-picking or with insecticidal soap.- Fusarium wilt: This fungal disease can cause yellowing leaves and wilting. The disease is fatal and infected plants should be removed and destroyed.
Habitat
Asclepias Fascicularis is native to western North America and can be found in many habitats, including meadows, grasslands, and coastal sage scrub. The plant prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate drought and poor soil conditions. Asclepias Fascicularis is an important host plant for monarch butterflies, as it provides a food source for their larvae.
Question and Answer
Q: What is the best time to plant Asclepias Fascicularis?
A: Asclepias Fascicularis can be planted in the spring or fall.
Q: How often should I fertilize Asclepias Fascicularis?
A: Asclepias Fascicularis does not require fertilization and should not be fertilized.
Q: How do I propagate Asclepias Fascicularis?
A: Asclepias Fascicularis can be propagated by seed or by division in the spring.
Q: How do I control aphids on Asclepias Fascicularis?
A: Aphids can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Related Plants
– Asclepias Tuberosa- Asclepias Syriaca- Asclepias Incarnata- Asclepias Curassavica
References
– “Asclepias Fascicularis.” Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.- “Asclepias Fascicularis.” Missouri Botanical Garden.- “Narrow-leaved Milkweed.” California Native Plant Society.
