Spider Milkweed
Asclepias asperulafam. Asclepiadaceae
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Pl. 8F0A — Asclepias asperula
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IOverview
Overview
Spider Milkweed (Asclepias asperula) is a perennial forb or herb found in the wild across parts of Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Mexico (Northeast and Northwest), Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, and Utah. Known for its edible flowers, leaves, seeds, and seedpods, this plant thrives in full to partial sun with a preference for dry to moist conditions. It prefers light or sandy soil and is hardy in zones 7-9. Its distinctive features include a height of about 1 meter and a native range that spans from the southwestern United States into northern Mexico.
Quick answers
What is Spider Milkweed?
Spider Milkweed (Asclepias asperula) is a perennial forb or herb found in the wild across parts of Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Mexico (Northeast and Northwest), Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, and Utah.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Spider Milkweed thrives in full to partial sun and prefers well-drained soil that is light (sandy) or medium. It requires dry to moist conditions and is hardy in zones 7-9. This perennial grows up to 1 meter tall and can be propagated through division or seed. The plant is native to regions including Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Mexico Northeast, and Northwest, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, and Utah. Its edible parts include flowers, leaves, seeds, and seedpods.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Hardiness
7-9
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
1.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Spider Milkweed for the first time
8steps
Start with Spider Milkweed as a simple, low-maintenance perennial for your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
Spider Milkweed plants or seeds, a trowel, and mulch.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or in fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5 for best growth.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in early spring, or start indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost and transplant after danger of frost passes.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist until plants are established. Avoid overwatering.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun to partial shade, water when dry, and mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune spent flowers to encourage more blooms and remove dead foliage for a tidy appearance.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy soil, neglecting to prune, and not providing enough sunlight.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FlowersLeavesSeedSeedpod
Edible uses: Oil, Gum, Sweetener
Other uses:FiberGumtextilesoilPollutionCandles
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
13 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
13 native · 0 introducedDistribution across0 continents· 13 native
Broader regions
native:Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Mexico Northeast, Mexico Northwest, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Asclepiadaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Asclepiadaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
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Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
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