Nodding Milkweed
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(Asclepias glaucescens)
Nodding Milkweed (Asclepias glaucescens)
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Edgar p miller
CC BY-SA 4.0
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Edgar p miller
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CC BY-SA 4.0
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Photo by: Edgar p miller | License Type: CC BY-SA 4.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0 | Uploader: Edgar p miller | Publisher: Wikipedia Commons
Summary
Asclepias glaucescens, commonly known as Nodding Milkweed, is a deciduous perennial herb native to arid and semi-arid regions, including open woodlands, grasslands, and scrub areas in Central America and Mexico. It typically grows to a height of 1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters) and a width of about 0.3 feet (0.09 meters). This species is characterized by its nodding clusters of creamy white flowers that bloom in the summer, which are particularly attractive to butterflies and other pollinators. The leaves are a distinctive glaucous green, which contributes to its common name.
Nodding Milkweed is valued for its drought tolerance and its ability to thrive in poor, well-drained soils, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping and naturalized areas. It is also used in butterfly gardens due to its role as a host plant for monarch butterflies. While it prefers full sun, it can tolerate light shade. Gardeners should be aware that, like other milkweeds, it contains toxic compounds that can be harmful if ingested. It should be planted with care due to its toxic nature.CC BY-SA 4.0
Nodding Milkweed is valued for its drought tolerance and its ability to thrive in poor, well-drained soils, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping and naturalized areas. It is also used in butterfly gardens due to its role as a host plant for monarch butterflies. While it prefers full sun, it can tolerate light shade. Gardeners should be aware that, like other milkweeds, it contains toxic compounds that can be harmful if ingested. It should be planted with care due to its toxic nature.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 1-2 feet
- Width: 0.15-0.3 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: White
- Flowering Season: Summer
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Drainage: Slow
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Fragrant, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Water Garden
Natural Habitat
Arid and semi-arid regions, including open woodlands, grasslands, and scrub areas
Other Names
Common Names: Prairie Milkweed
Scientific Names: Asclepias glaucescens, Asclepias glaberrima, Asclepias plumierifolia, Asclepias polyphylla
GBIF Accepted Name: Asclepias glaucescens Kunth