Nodding Milkweed

Asclepias glaucescens

Native to:
Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, Nicaragua, United States

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Apocynaceae
Genus:
Asclepias
Species:
Asclepias glaucescens
USDA Symbol:
ASGL5

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb
Height:
60 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
may,jun,jul,aug
Bloom Colors:
white, greenish-white

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
Butterflies & Moths:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)

Keystone Species Ranking

Caterpillar Keystone:
★★☆☆☆ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
monarch butterflies, native bees, other butterflies
Deer Resistant:
Yes
Fragrant:
Yes
Fire Ecology:
Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
Fire Notes:
Resprouts vigorously from deep taproots after fire. Common component of fire-maintained prairie ecosystems.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
Germination Time:
7–21 days
Notes:
Seeds germinate best with light exposure. Fresh seed germinates more readily than stored seed.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI

Pre-treatment: Cold-moist stratification for 30 days at 1–5°C (34–41°F).

Source: Claude AI

ORGHPS Germination Guide: Should not need chilling

Source: Ontario Rock Garden & Hardy Plant Society