Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Apocynaceae

Genus:

Asclepias

Species:

Asclepias michauxii

USDA Symbol:

ASMI12

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Forb/herb

Height:

60 cm

Light Requirements:

Part Shade

Drought Tolerance:

Low

Bloom Months:

may,jun,jul

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:

bees, butterflies, monarch caterpillars

Fire Ecology:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Fire Notes:

Occurs in fire-maintained pine savannas; fire helps reduce competition and maintain open habitat.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil

pH:

5.5 - 6.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

dry to moderate

Notes:

native to sandy pine forests and open woodlands

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days

Germination Time:

14–30 days

Notes:

Seeds benefit from cold moist stratification for 30-60 days to break dormancy.