Showy Milkweed

Asclepias speciosa

Physical Characteristics

Asclepias speciosa is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.8 m (2ft 7in) by 0.6 m (2ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 2. It is in flower from June to August, and the seeds ripen in September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, insects, Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies). The plant is self-fertile. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained 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.

Distribution

Western N. America - Minnesota to British Columbia, south to Kansas, Utah and California.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Flowers Leaves Oil Root Seed Seedpod Shoots Edible Uses: Gum Oil Sweetener Edible parts (after boiling): Leaves, flowers, buds, young pods, sap (gum). Flavor: Mild, compared to green beans; flowers very sweet from Preparation: Single boiling sufficient; syrup can be made from nectar. Traditional Use: Sap used for gum; greens as potherbs [2-3]. Flower buds - raw or cooked[61, 92]. They taste somewhat like peas[85]. They can be used to thicken soups[257]. Young shoots and leaves - cooked[46, 61, 62, 92, 95]. An asparagus substitute[85, 183]. One report says that they should not be eaten raw[85], whilst another says that the young spring shoots were eaten raw by some native American tribes[257]. Tips of older shoots are cooked like spinach[85, 183]. Young seed pods, 3 - 4 cm long - raw or cooked[85, 257]. Very appetizing[85]. The immature pods are peeled before being eaten[257]. Flower clusters can be boiled down to make a sugary syrup[85] or they can be eaten raw[161, 183]. Seed - raw[161, 257]. A chewing gum can be made from the latex contained in the stem and leaves[46, 61, 92, 183]. Root[183]. No further details are given, but another report says that the root can be poisonous in large quantities[257].

Medicinal Uses

Antirheumatic Antiseptic Ophthalmic Skin Stomachic VD Warts The latex is used as a cure for warts[168, 257]. The latex needs to be applied at least once a day of a period of some weeks for it to be effective[K]. The latex has antiseptic properties and has been used to treat skin sores, cuts and ringworm[257]. A decoction of the plant tops can be strained and used to treat blindness and snow-blindness[257]. The root is either chewed when fresh, or dried, ground into a powder then boiled, and used in the treatment of stomach ache[257]. A decoction of the roots has been used in small doses to treat venereal diseases and also to treat coughs, especially from TB[257]. A poultice of the mashed roots has been applied to rheumatic joints[257]. Some caution should be employed when using the root since there is a report that it can be poisonous in large quantities[257].

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]. One report says that the plant is considered poisonous in large quantities by some native North American Indian tribes[257].