Asclepias latifolia
(Torr.) Raf.
Broadleaf milkweed
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(c) Richard Reynolds, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Richard Reynolds
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(c) Lena Zappia, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Lena Zappia
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(c) Jason Singhurst, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Jason Singhurst
Summary
Source: WikipediaAsclepias latifolia is a species of milkweed, also known by the common name broadleaf milkweed. Its native range includes the American southwest ranging from California and southeastern Utah to Texas and Nebraska. It grows in disturbed areas, pinyon–juniper woodlands, mixed desert scrub and hanging rock gardens. It can be found growing in Arches National Park. It is a perennial herb that grows up to 3 ft (0.91 m) tall. Leaves have attach directly to the stem, are 3–4 in (76–102 mm) long, and are relatively broad (the specific name latifolia means "broad-leaf"). Leaves have prominent veins and pubescence that lessens with age. It grows clusters of white to pale-green flowers 0.5–0.75 in (13–19 mm) long, which bloom April to July. Asclepias latifolia is poisonous to some livestock. It exudes a milky latex.
Description
A herb. It grows up to 1 m tall. The leaves are 8-10 cm long by 5 cm wide. They attach directly to the stem. The flowers are pale green to yellowish.
Edible Uses
None known
Medicinal Uses
Sternutatory The leaves and stems can be dried then ground into a powder and inhaled as a snuff in the treatment of catarrh.
Distribution
It is a subtropical plant. It suits a sunny dry position.
Where It Grows
Mexico,
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
Latex Rubber can be made from latex contained in the leaves and the stems. Special Uses
Synonyms
Also Known As
Kochi nakam
References (2)
- LaRochelle, S. & Berkes F., 2003, Traditional Ecological Knowledge and practice for Edible Wild Plants - Mexico. Int. J. Sustain Dev. World Ecol. 10:361-375
- World Checklist of Useful Plant Species 2020. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
