Asclepias syriaca
£2.50
Common milkweed. A perennial growing 1 m (3 ft) high or more and spreading freely, with purple and pink flowers in summer. All the milkweeds have edible young shoots (cooked like asparagus) and flowers buds (with a pea flavour). A fibre is produced from the stems, and the seed floss is water-repellent and formerly used in life jackets. The stems produce a latex in small amounts which makes a high quality rubber. Likes a well drained soil and sun; protect young plants from slugs. Hardy to -35ºC. Stratification: ND. Number of seeds: 50.
Out of stock (For plants, a selection of summer/warm-weather plants is available June/July and our main stock list from August, for autumn/winter delivery)
Description
Common milkweed. A perennial growing 1 m (3 ft) high or more and spreading freely, with purple and pink flowers in summer. All the milkweeds have edible young shoots (cooked like asparagus) and flowers buds (with a pea flavour). A fibre is produced from the stems, and the seed floss is water-repellent and formerly used in life jackets. The stems produce a latex in small amounts which makes a high quality rubber. Likes a well drained soil and sun; protect young plants from slugs. Hardy to -35ºC. Stratification: ND