Fourleaf Milkweed

Asclepias quadrifolia

Native to:
Canada, United States

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Apocynaceae
Genus:
Asclepias
Species:
Asclepias quadrifolia
USDA Symbol:
ASQU

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb
Height:
60 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun,Part Shade,Shade
Drought Tolerance:
Medium
Bloom Months:
may,jun,jul
Bloom Colors:
white, pink

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:
butterflies, bees, other pollinators
Deer Resistant:
Yes
Fragrant:
Yes
Fall Color:
yellow

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
rich, well-drained loamy soil
pH:
5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
prefers woodland edges and open woods

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
Germination Time:
10–30 days
Notes:
Seeds require light for germination. Can be slow and erratic; fresh seed germinates best.

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