Asclepias Feayi

Description

Asclepias Feayi, commonly known as the Feay’s milkweed, is a perennial plant native to Florida. It is a member of the milkweed family, which is known for its unique flowers and leaves. The Feay’s milkweed is named after its discoverer, Dr. Henry Feay, who first found it in 1865. This plant is known for its hardiness and ability to thrive in harsh conditions, making it a popular choice for gardeners looking for a low-maintenance and attractive plant.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

The Feay’s milkweed grows up to 3 feet tall and has a spread of up to 2 feet. It has green, lance-shaped leaves that are up to 4 inches long and 1 inch wide. The leaves are arranged in an alternate pattern and have a slightly fuzzy texture. The flowers of the Feay’s milkweed are small and pinkish-white in color. They are arranged in clusters on the top of the stem and bloom from late spring to early summer. The flowers are followed by long, slender seed pods that split open to release the seeds. The plant has a deep taproot that helps it survive in dry and arid conditions.

Care Guide

The Feay’s milkweed is a hardy plant that requires minimal care. Here are some tips for caring for this plant:- Water: This plant is drought-tolerant and does not require frequent watering. Water the plant deeply once a week during dry periods.- Fertilization: The Feay’s milkweed does not require regular fertilization. If you choose to fertilize, use a low-nitrogen fertilizer in the spring.- Soil: This plant prefers well-draining soil that is sandy or loamy. It can tolerate a wide range of pH levels.- Sunlight: The Feay’s milkweed prefers full sun but can also grow in partial shade.- Hardiness Zones: This plant is hardy in zones 7-9.

Common Pests & Diseases

The Feay’s milkweed is relatively pest and disease-resistant. However, here are some common issues to watch out for:- Aphids: These small insects can suck the sap from the plant and cause stunted growth. Use an insecticidal soap to control aphids.- Spider mites: These tiny pests can cause yellowing and browning of the leaves. Use a miticide to control spider mites.- Fusarium wilt: This fungal disease can cause wilting and death of the plant. There is no cure for fusarium wilt, so infected plants should be removed and destroyed.

Habitat

The Feay’s milkweed is native to Florida and is commonly found in sandy, well-drained soils in open pine forests, prairies, and coastal areas. It is also found in disturbed areas such as roadsides and fields. The plant is well-adapted to dry and arid conditions and can tolerate salt spray and occasional flooding.

Question and Answer

Q: Is the Feay’s milkweed a good plant for butterfly gardens?

A: Yes, the Feay’s milkweed is an excellent plant for butterfly gardens. It is a host plant for the monarch butterfly and attracts a variety of other pollinators.

Q: Can the Feay’s milkweed be propagated from cuttings?

A: Yes, the Feay’s milkweed can be propagated from stem cuttings taken in the spring or early summer.

Q: Does the Feay’s milkweed have any medicinal properties?

A: Yes, the sap of the Feay’s milkweed has been used in traditional medicine to treat skin conditions and rheumatism.

Q: Is the Feay’s milkweed toxic to pets?

A: Yes, the Feay’s milkweed is toxic to pets if ingested. It contains cardiac glycosides that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and even cardiac arrest in pets.

Related Plants

– Asclepias curassavica (tropical milkweed)- Asclepias syriaca (common milkweed)- Asclepias tuberosa (butterfly weed)- Asclepias verticillata (whorled milkweed)

References

– Florida Native Plant Society. (n.d.). Asclepias feayi. Retrieved from https://www.fnps.org/plants/plant/asclepias-feayi- Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. (n.d.). Asclepias feayi. Retrieved from https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=ASFE- University of Florida IFAS Extension. (2018). Asclepias feayi. Retrieved from https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fp022