Asclepias californica
Greene
California milkweed
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(c) Marshal Hedin, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA), uploaded by Marshal Hedin
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(c) Ken-ichi Ueda, some rights reserved (CC BY)
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc-sa
(c) Marshal Hedin, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA), uploaded by Marshal Hedin
Summary
Source: WikipediaAsclepias californica is a species of milkweed known by the common name California milkweed. It grows throughout lower northern, central and southern California.
Description
A perennial milkweed reaching 0.5 m (1 ft 8 in) in height. Hermaphroditic flowers pollinated by bees, insects, moths, and butterflies. Suitable for light sandy soils with good drainage and poor soil tolerance. Tolerates mildly acid to basic pH. Grows in semi-shade or full sun in dry to moist conditions.
Edible Uses
Edible Parts: Leaves Edible Uses: Gum The milky sap of the plant can be boiled until thick and then chewed like chewing gum. The leaves can be roasted and then chewed.
Medicinal Uses
Stings The dried and powdered plant can be applied to spider bites.
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. They are usually avoided by grazing animals.
Distribution
It is a temperate plant.
Where It Grows
Africa, Eswatini, North America, South Africa, Southern Africa, Swaziland, USA,
Cultivation
We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it could succeed outdoors at least in the milder parts of this country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Prefers a well-drained light rich or peaty soil. Succeeds in poor soils. 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. Plants resent root disturbance and are best planted into their final positions whilst small. 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.
Propagation
Seed - best sown in a greenhouse as soon as it is ripe in the autumn or in late winter. We have also had good results from sowing the seed in the greenhouse in early spring, though stored seed might need 2 - 3 weeks cold stratification. Germination usually takes place in 1 - 3 months at 18°c. 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 Uses
Gum Latex Rubber can be made from latex contained in the stems and leaves. Special Uses
Notes
There are 100 Asclepias species. The Asclepiadaceae are now put in the Apocynaceae.
Synonyms
Also Known As
Inkhakabovu, Sidzayi
References (3)
- Long, C., 2005, Swaziland's Flora - siSwati names and Uses http://www.sntc.org.sz/flora/
- Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/
- Swaziland's Flora Database http://www.sntc.org.sz/flora
