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Asclepias eriocarpa - Benth.

Common Name Woollypod Milkweed
Family Asclepiadaceae
USDA hardiness 7-10
Known Hazards Although no specific reports have been seen for this species, many, if not all, members of this genus contain toxic resinoids, alkaloids and cardiac glycosides[274]. They are usually avoided by grazing animals[274]. The plant is said to be poisonous to sheep[1].
Habitats Dry barren places below 2000 metres[71].
Range South-western N. America - California
Edibility Rating    (2 of 5)
Other Uses    (3 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (2 of 5)
Care (info)
Frost Hardy Well drained soil Moist Soil Semi-shade Full sun
Asclepias eriocarpa Woollypod Milkweed


http://www.flickr.com/photos/stonebird/198516676/
Asclepias eriocarpa Woollypod Milkweed
http://flickr.com/photos/sedges_have_edges/3759064851/

 

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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of flower
Asclepias eriocarpa is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.9 m (3ft).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in flower from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, insects, Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies).
Suitable for: light (sandy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

A. fremontii. A. kotolo.

Habitats

 Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts:
Edible Uses: Gum

A gum obtained from the latex in the stems can be used for chewing[46, 61, 92, 161, 177]. It is usually boiled in water first until it coagulates and is sometimes mixed with oil[257].

References   More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Antiasthmatic  Skin  Sternutatory  Warts

A decoction of the plant, and a salve made from it, is used in the treatment of colds[257]. The milky sap is applied on a regular basis to corns in order to gradually remove them[257]. It is also applied to cuts, sores and warts[257]. The powdered dried roots are inhaled to cause sneezing[257]. Smoke from the burning dried plant is inhaled as a treatment for asthma[257].

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

Fibre  Gum  Latex

A fibre from the stems is used for ropes, clothing etc[46, 61, 92, 95, 257]. The fresh stems are soaked in water, or the dried and decaying stems basted with boiling water, in order to remove the fibre[257]. Rubber can be made from latex in the stems and leaves[46, 61, 92, 161, 177]. The leaves contain up to 2.4% latex[112].

Special Uses

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Prefers a well-drained light rich or peaty soil in full sun[1, 200]. Succeeds in poor soils. This species is not very hardy in Britain, the plants may need root protection in severe winters[1] but if this is applied as a mulch then it should be removed before new growth begins in the spring because plants are particularly at risk from slugs[K]. Many members of this genus seem to be particularly prone to damage by slugs. The young growth in spring is especially vulnerable, but older growth is also attacked and even well-established plants have been destroyed in wet years[K]. Plants resent root disturbance and are best planted into their final positions whilst small[134]. The flower of many members of this genus can trap insects between its anther cells, the struggles of the insect in escaping ensure the pollination of the plant[207].

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

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Propagation

Seed - best sown in a greenhouse as soon as it is ripe in the autumn or in late winter[134, 169]. We have also had good results from sowing the seed in the greenhouse in early spring[K], though stored seed might need 2 - 3 weeks cold stratification[134]. Germination usually takes place in 1 - 3 months at 18°c[134]. As soon as the seedlings are large enough to handle, prick them out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant out when they are in active growth in late spring or early summer and give them some protection from slugs until they are growing away strongly. Division in spring. With great care since the plant resents root disturbance. Pot the divisions up and place them in a lightly shaded position in the greenhouse until they are growing away strongly, then plant them out in the summer, giving them some protection from slugs until they are established.. Basal cuttings in late spring. Use shoots about 10cm long with as much of their white underground stem as possible. Pot them up individually and place them in a lightly shaded position in a greenhouse until they are rooting and growing actively. If the plants grow sufficiently, they can be put into their permanent positions in the summer, otherwise keep them in the greenhouse until the following spring and when they are in active growth plant them out into their permanent positions. Give them some protection from slugs until they are established.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Plant Search

Search over 900 plants ideal for food forests and permaculture gardens. Filter to search native plants to your area. The plants selected are the plants in our book 'Plants For Your Food Forest: 500 Plants for Temperate Food Forests and Permaculture Gardens, as well as plants chosen for our forthcoming related books for Tropical/Hot Wet Climates and Mediterranean/Hot Dry Climates. Native Plant Search

Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

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Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

 

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Botanical References

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