Desert Milkweed

Asclepias erosa

Physical Characteristics

Asclepias erosa is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.8 m (2ft 7in). 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 cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Distribution

South-western N. America.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Edible Uses: Gum Edible parts: Leaves and flowers, after boiling. Sap dried for gum. Flavor: Leaves are palatable but slightly bitter; flowers mild and sweet. Preparation: Margins of leaves can be annoying but edible when trimmed. Traditional Use: The Kawaiisu and other California tribes would chew the dried sap as gum [2-3]. The milky sap can be left to solidify, then heated over a fire to be used as a chewing gum[257].

Medicinal Uses

None known

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].