Asclepias tomentosa
Photo by Jeannie Brodhead. Photograph belongs to the photographer who allows use for FNPS purposes only. Please contact the photographer for all other uses.
Natural Range in Florida
USDA Zones
Suitable to grow in:
10A 8A 8B 9A 9B
2002-2022, Copyright Florida Native Plant Society
Velvetleaf Milkweed
Apocynaceae
Also known as Asclepias megalotis, Asclepias aceratoides
Plant Specifics
| Size: | 2-3 ft. | |
| Life Span: | Long-lived perennial | |
| Flower Color: | Greenish with highlights of pink or maroon | |
| Fruit Color: | Green, seeds with tufts of white hair | |
| Phenology: | Winter dormant, blooms April-August | |
| Habitats: | Scrub, sandhill, edges of xeric hammocks, scrubby flatwoods |
Landscaping
| Recommended Uses: | Wildflower garden, dry wildflower meadow | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Light: | Full Sun | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Moisture Tolerance: |
always floodedextremely dry |
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| Moisture Tolerance: | Not wet but not extremely dry ----- to ----- Somewhat long very dry periods | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Salt Water Flooding Tolerance: | Unknown | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Salt Spray Tolerance: | Unknown | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Soil/Substrate: | Sand | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Wildlife
- Larval host for monach (Danaus plexippus) , queen (Danaus gilippus) and soldier (Danaus eresimus) butterflies.
- Nectar plant for many butterfly species.