Horsetail Milkweed
Asclepias subverticillata
SALLY KING
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Apocynaceae
- Genus:
- Asclepias
- Species:
- Asclepias subverticillata
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 2-3 ft
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- may, jun, jul, aug, sep
- Bloom Colors:
- White
Native Range
United States: Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, Nevada, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah, Wyoming
Keystone Species Ranking
- Caterpillar Keystone:
- ★★★★☆ Based on number of butterfly and moth species using this genus as host plant (Source: National Wildlife Federation)
Reported Fauna Sightings
Bees: Morrison bumble bee (Bombus morrisoni), Morrison bumble bee (Bombus morrisoni)
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 8.0 (neutral to slightly alkaline)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- Prefers open, sunny locations in arid regions
Germination Information
Pre-treatment: Seed receives a 48 h soak in a stream of running water, followed by 10 weeks of cold moist stratification.
Establishment: The plant is commonly found in Central Western and Southwestern US states. There are variations in the pre-treatment protocols, with stratification periods ranging from none to 10 weeks.
Source: npn.rngr.net