Overview
Asclepias viridis is a bushy perennial in the genus Asclepias, part of the Apocynaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Asclepias viridis grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden and prairie planting. It is native to Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi and Missouri.
About
Asclepias viridis is a species of milkweed, a plant in the dogbane family known by the common names green milkweed, green antelopehorn and spider milkweed. The Latin word viridis means green.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Asclepias viridis
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
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Asclepias viridis size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Prairie planting
- Native to
- Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri
- Toxicity
- toxic
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Asclepias viridis
- Cultivation
- Prefers full sun and well-drained soil; drought tolerant once established; avoid overwatering
- Pruning
- Cut back in late winter or early spring to encourage new growth
- Propagation
- Seed, division, basal cuttings in spring
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Asclepias viridis?
Prefers full sun and well-drained soil; drought tolerant once established; avoid overwatering.
Where is the best place to plant Asclepias viridis?
Asclepias viridis prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Asclepias viridis need?
Asclepias viridis grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Asclepias viridis?
Cut back in late winter or early spring to encourage new growth.
Is Asclepias viridis hardy in the UK?
Asclepias viridis 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 viridis?
Seed, division, basal cuttings in spring.
Is Asclepias viridis toxic?
Toxic.
