Heartleaf Milkweed

Asclepias cordifolia

Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Apocynaceae
Genus:
Asclepias
Species:
Asclepias cordifolia

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb
Height:
2-3 ft
Light Requirements:
Full Sun, Part Shade
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
may, jun, jul
Bloom Colors:
Red, Purple

Native Range

United States: California, Nevada, Oregon

Keystone Species Ranking

Caterpillar Keystone:
★★★★☆ Based on number of butterfly and moth species using this genus as host plant (Source: National Wildlife Federation)

Host Plant for Caterpillars

⚠️Monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus)

Reported Fauna Sightings

Bees: Black-tailed bumble bee (Bombus melanopygus), Black-tailed bumble bee (Bombus melanopygus), Brown-belted bumble bee (Bombus griseocollis), Brown-belted bumble bee (Bombus griseocollis), Crotch bumble bee (Bombus crotchii), Crotch bumble bee (Bombus crotchii)

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
rocky, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
pH:
6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
prefers open, sunny locations

Germination Information

Pre-treatment: Seeds are removed from the refrigerator and soaked in room temperature water for 24 hrs, followed by cold stratification in damp vermiculite for 66 days. Alternatively, seeds can be placed in fine mesh bags into a 1% hydrogen peroxide (3:1 water/3% hydrogen peroxide) soak for 24 hours, rinsed, and placed in water for an additional 24 hours. The bags are then placed in sealed containers in refrigeration at 1 to 3 °C for 45 days. Regular checks for mold are recommended.

Establishment: Seeds are hand collected from two different counties in northern California. A majority of the seed came from a single, large patch of milkweed growing at approximately 2,000 ft elevation and northeast facing slopes in Napa County, CA. A small amount of seed came from Folsom Lake Recreation Area in El Dorado, CA. Collect seeds after pods have ripened, but before they have split open. The seeds are wind dispersed, so be careful when gathering to place in a paper or burlap bag to avoid losing them.

Source: npn.rngr.net