Overview
Asclepias hirtella is a bushy perennial herb in the genus Asclepias, part of the Apocynaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Asclepias hirtella grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden and prairie planting. It is native to Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota and Mississippi.
About
Asclepias hirtella, commonly called the tall green milkweed, is a species of flowering plant in the milkweed genus and dogbane family (Apocynaceae). It is native to Canada and the United States, where its range is concentrated in the Midwest and Upper South.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Asclepias hirtella
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 or Poorly-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Asclepias hirtella size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial herb
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Prairie planting
- Native to
- Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Asclepias hirtella
- Propagation
- Seed, Division, 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 hirtella?
Asclepias hirtella prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Asclepias hirtella need?
Asclepias hirtella 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 or poorly-drained.
Is Asclepias hirtella hardy in the UK?
Asclepias hirtella 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 hirtella?
Seed, Division, Root basal cuttings in spring.
