Overview
Asclepias erosa is a bushy bulbs in the genus Asclepias, part of the Apocynaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Asclepias erosa grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden and prairie planting.
About
Asclepias erosa is a species of milkweed known commonly as desert milkweed. It is native to southern California, Arizona, and northern Baja California, where it is most abundant in the desert regions.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Asclepias erosa
About the genus
Asclepias is a genus of herbaceous, perennial, flowering plants known as milkweeds, named for their latex, a milky substance containing cardiac glycosides termed cardenolides, exuded where cells are damaged. Most species are toxic to humans and many other species, primarily due to the presence of cardenolides. However, as with many such plants, some species feed upon milkweed leaves or the nectar from their flowers.
Wikipedia contributors, "Asclepias", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Asclepias
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Asclepias
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Poorly-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Asclepias erosa size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Bulbs, Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Prairie planting
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Asclepias erosa
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed or by division, or root basal cuttings in spring
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Asclepias erosa?
Asclepias erosa prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Asclepias erosa need?
Asclepias erosa is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to poorly-drained.
Is Asclepias erosa hardy in the UK?
Asclepias erosa has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
How do I propagate Asclepias erosa?
Propagate by seed or by division, or root basal cuttings in spring.
