Asclepias Sullivantii

Description

Asclepias Sullivantii, commonly known as Sullivant’s Milkweed, is a herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the Asclepiadaceae family. Native to North America, this plant can be found in the central and eastern regions of the United States.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

The plant grows up to 4 feet tall, with a spread of up to 2 feet. The leaves are long and narrow, measuring up to 8 inches in length and 1 inch in width. The flowers are small and clustered together in groups of up to 20, with each flower measuring up to 1/4 inch in diameter. The flowers are pink to purple in color and have a sweet fragrance. The plant blooms from June to August.

Care Guide

Asclepias Sullivantii requires well-draining soil and full sun exposure. It is drought-tolerant, but regular watering is necessary during its growing season. The plant does not require fertilization, but a layer of compost or organic mulch can be added to the soil to provide nutrients. It is hardy in USDA zones 3-9.

Common Pests & Diseases

Asclepias Sullivantii is relatively disease-resistant, but it can be affected by aphids, spider mites, and milkweed bugs. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Habitat

Asclepias Sullivantii is found in prairies, meadows, and open woodlands. It prefers well-draining soil and full sun exposure.

Question and Answer

Q: Can Asclepias Sullivantii be grown in containers?

A: Yes, Asclepias Sullivantii can be grown in containers as long as they are large enough to accommodate the plant’s size and root system.

Q: Is Asclepias Sullivantii toxic to animals?

A: Yes, Asclepias Sullivantii is toxic to animals, including cats, dogs, and horses. The plant contains cardiac glycosides, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and even death if ingested in large quantities.

Q: Does Asclepias Sullivantii attract butterflies?

A: Yes, Asclepias Sullivantii is a host plant for the Monarch butterfly. The plant provides food and shelter for the butterfly during its larval stage.

Q: Can Asclepias Sullivantii be propagated from cuttings?

A: Yes, Asclepias Sullivantii can be propagated from stem cuttings taken in the spring. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in well-draining soil.

Related Plants

• Asclepias tuberosa
• Asclepias syriaca
• Asclepias incarnata
• Asclepias curassavica

References

• “Asclepias Sullivantii.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b947.
• “Asclepias Sullivantii.” Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=ASSU.
• “Asclepias Sullivantii.” Illinois Wildflowers, www.illinoiswildflowers.info/prairie/plantx/su_milkweedx.htm.