Clasping Milkweed, Asclepias amplexicaulis

Description

Clasping Milkweed, Asclepias amplexicaulis also known as Blunt Leaf Milkweed is a perennial native to most of the Eastern half of the US.

This harder to find milkweed gets this common name from the way the base of the leaf wraps or “clasps” the stem.

Plant Description:

Grows 1′ to 2.5′ tall  Plant spread is 18″ to 24″  Flowers are aromatic and the color ranges from light to darker pink with cream or light green in a loose cluster.  Leaves are sessile (stalkless) simple, waxy opposite leaves 3″-5″ long and 2″ wide with a pink to white midrib.  Leaf blades are oval shape, have wavy margins, and a blunt tip with a small sharp point at the very top. Hairless green stems.  Taproot not good in containers.

Growing conditions:

Cold stratify seeds for 3 months.

Does well in full sun to partial shade. Needs well drained sandy or gravely soil. Plant 1′ to 3′ apart.