Woollypod Milkweed

Asclepias eriocarpa

Woollypod Milkweed

Anthony Valois

Taxonomy

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

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb
Height:
3-4 ft
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
may, jun, jul, aug, sep, oct
Bloom Colors:
White, Pink

Native Range

United States: California

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: Crotch bumble bee (Bombus crotchii), Crotch bumble bee (Bombus crotchii), van Dyke bumble bee (Bombus vandykei), van Dyke bumble bee (Bombus vandykei)

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
well-drained sandy or gravelly soil
pH:
6.0 - 8.0 (neutral to slightly alkaline)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
thrives in open, sunny locations

Germination Information

Pre-treatment: None required

Establishment: Collect seed/fruits immediately prior to or when fruit is completely ripe and dry on plant from mid-spring to mid summer. The plant is generally distributed in Nevada, California and northern Baja California in dry barren areas from 300-1900 meters.

Source: npn.rngr.net