Dwarf Milkweed
Asclepias involucrata
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Pl. 911A — Asclepias involucrata
Asclepias involucrataAsclepias involucrataAsclepias involucrataAsclepias involucrataAsclepias involucrataAsclepias involucrataAsclepias involucrataAsclepias involucrataAsclepias involucrataAsclepias involucrataAsclepias involucrataAsclepias involucrataAsclepias involucrataAsclepias involucrata
IOverview
Overview
Dwarf Milkweed (Asclepias involucrata) is a perennial forb or herb that thrives in the arid and semi-arid regions of Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, Mexico (Northeast and Northwest), New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas. Native to these areas, it can be found in habitats with dry to moist conditions, preferring light sandy soils. Known for its edible leaves and shoots, this plant is a valuable resource for those interested in foraging. Dwarf Milkweed features distinctive clusters of small, pinkish-purple flowers surrounded by broad, white bracts, which make it an ornamental addition to gardens or natural landscapes.
Quick answers
What is Dwarf Milkweed?
Dwarf Milkweed (Asclepias involucrata) is a perennial forb or herb that thrives in the arid and semi-arid regions of Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, Mexico (Northeast and Northwest), New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Dwarf Milkweed thrives in full to partial sun and prefers dry to moist conditions. It grows best in light (sandy) soil and is a perennial subshrub or herb. This plant is hardy in temperate regions and can be propagated through division or seeds. Harvest its edible leaves and shoots for culinary use.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy)
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Subshrub, Forb/herb
For first-time growers
How to grow Dwarf Milkweed for the first time
8steps
Start with Dwarf Milkweed to gain experience in growing milkweeds, focusing on basic care.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or small plants, a container or garden bed, good quality potting soil if planting in containers.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or in fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil; for containers, choose a pot with drainage holes. In garden beds, ensure good drainage.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost or directly sow in late spring. Transplant small plants after danger of frost passes.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged, especially during establishment.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun to partial shade and water when the top inch of soil dries out. Prune dead leaves or stems as needed.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune in late winter before new growth starts to encourage a bushier plant; avoid harvesting leaves for eating due to limited availability.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in poorly drained soil, not providing enough sunlight, and harvesting too many leaves early on.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesShoots
Edible uses: Gum
Other uses:Gumtextiles
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
9 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
9 native · 0 introducedDistribution across0 continents· 9 native
Broader regions
native:Colorado, Kansas, Mexico Northeast, Mexico Northwest, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah, Arizona
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
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About this entry
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 911a63ac-1096-453b-aaf8-7e1a6291ca1c
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