Asclepias decumbens
L.
gbif· cc-by-nc
Omar Jiménez Hernández
gbif· cc-by-nc
floraluprising
gbif· cc-by-nc
floraluprising
Description
Asclepias decumbens is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.9 m (3ft). 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 can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.
Edible Uses
A latex from the stems can be used as a chewing gum.
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
Eastern N. America - Illinois and Ohio to North Carolina and Florida..
Where It Grows
NORTHERN AMERICA: Canada (Québec (southwest), Ontario (south)), United States (Indiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Colorado, Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, District of Columbia, New Mexico, Texas, Arizona, California, Utah), Mexico (Chihuahua, Coahuila de Zaragoza, Nuevo León, Sonora, Tamaulipas)
Cultivation
Prefers a well-drained light rich or peaty soil. Succeeds in poor soils. A very ornamental plant, it is closely related to A. tuberosa. The stems are decumbent, growing along the ground for some distance before becoming erect. 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.
