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Description
Asclepias Texana, also known as Texas milkweed, is a native Texan plant that belongs to the Asclepias genus. This perennial plant is known for its beautiful flowers and its importance to the monarch butterfly. It typically grows up to 3 feet in height and blooms from May to August.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Magnoliophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Gentianales |
| Family | Apocynaceae |
| Genus | Asclepias |
Appearance
Asclepias Texana has long, narrow leaves that are light green in color. Its flowers are pink or mauve and grow in clusters at the top of the plant. Each flower has five petals that curve backwards, forming a star shape. The plant produces a fruit that is a long, narrow pod containing seeds with tufts of silky hairs that aid in their dispersal.
Care Guide
To care for Asclepias Texana, it is important to provide it with well-draining soil and full sunlight. This plant is drought-tolerant, but it is important to water it regularly during its first growing season. Fertilization is not necessary, but a light application of compost in the spring can be beneficial. Asclepias Texana is hardy in USDA zones 7-10, but it can be grown in other zones as an annual. In colder zones, it is best to start the seeds indoors and transplant the seedlings outside after the last frost.
Common Pests & Diseases
Asclepias Texana is relatively pest-free, but it can be susceptible to spider mites and aphids. These pests can be controlled by spraying the plant with a strong stream of water or by applying insecticidal soap. The plant is also vulnerable to fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and leaf spot. These diseases can be prevented by providing good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering.
Habitat
Asclepias Texana is native to Texas and can be found growing in prairies, open woods, and along roadsides. It prefers well-draining soil and full sunlight.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Asclepias Texana poisonous?
A: Yes, Asclepias Texana is toxic to both humans and animals if ingested.
Q: How does Asclepias Texana benefit the monarch butterfly?
A: Asclepias Texana is a host plant for the monarch butterfly. The butterfly lays its eggs on the plant, and the resulting caterpillars feed on the leaves. The toxic compounds in the plant make the caterpillars unpalatable to predators.
Q: How can I propagate Asclepias Texana?
A: Asclepias Texana can be propagated by seed or by division. The best time to divide the plant is in the spring.
Q: Can Asclepias Texana be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Asclepias Texana can be grown in containers as long as they are large enough to accommodate the plant’s root system.
Related Plants
- Asclepias curassavica
- Asclepias incarnata
- Asclepias syriaca
- Asclepias tuberosa
References
- “Asclepias Texana.” Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, University of Texas at Austin, www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=ASTE.
- “Asclepias Texana.” Texas Native Plants Database, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, University of Texas at Austin, texastreeplanting.tamu.edu/plant/asclepias-texana/.
- Turner, Billie Lee. The Wildflowers of Texas. University of Texas Press, 1995.
