Asclepias humistrata (Purple Veined or Pinelands Milkweed) Central Florida Local

Description

Asclepias humistrata or Purple Veined Milkweed is a first emergence milkweed that is found in the south eastern United States in very dry, sunny xeric conditions. Found in pine scrubs this slow growing milkweed is a perennial that can live for many years. It emerges from its tuber root each Spring and flowers and seeds before the June rains in Central Florida. It has very attractive foliage and remarkable whitish to pink cream colored blooms that attract pollinators of all types. As a host plant for the Monarch Butterfly, it provides food for caterpillars as well as nectar for adult butterflies. Seeds are shipped via USPS in a padded envelope with a seed packet of 30 seeds inside. It can be started immediately and does not require cold stratification. It is a challenging species to grow and will take several seasons before it is viable for use by the Monarchs in a size large enough to sustain a caterpillar from egg to chrysalis. The seed is from West Central Florida and is most suited for that area as well as the Southeastern United States.