Does milkweed grow well in Arizona?
Arizona Milkweed grows in hard, rocky soil and is native only to Arizona. Small, white flowers bloom from spring to late summer. Arizona Milkweed grows in hard, rocky soil and is native only to Arizona.
Is Arizona milkweed toxic?
Audubon Arizona’s Spring Milkweed Sale Happy Planting! Most milkweed contain cardiac glycosides–toxic compounds that make the caterpillars (and adults) poisonous– or at least distasteful– to predators.
How do you plant desert milkweed?
Growing Instructions: Start Desert Milkweed seeds outdoors in late November. Pick a location with full sun and prepare soil for good drainage, if needed. Plant seeds 1/8″ deep and 18” apart, using 3 seeds per hole. Water once, and then allow the winter rain and/or snow to provide moisture until the spring.
Why is the milkweed plant harmful?
All parts of the plant contain toxic cardiac glycosides, which can cause nausea, diarrhea, weakness, and confusion in small amounts, and seizures, heart rhythm changes, respiratory paralysis, and even death in large amounts. Milkweed can also irritate the skin and eyes if touched.
How do you care for Arizona milkweed?
Arizona milkweed (Asclepias angustifolia) Prefers some protection from the harsh summer sun. This species does best on the east or north side of the house or in light shade/filtered sun. This species does better with additional water.
Can Monarch butterflies live in Arizona?
Small, loose clusters of monarchs are found throughout Arizona during the peak migration, usually on the southeast side of trees.
Do milkweed plants spread?
Common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) is a perennial plant that can be found in a wide range of habitats including roadsides, fields, and gardens. It is native to North America and reproduces primarily from seed. Once it is established it can spread from its rhizomatous root system.
Is milkweed poisonous to dogs?
The Pet Poison Helpline reports that milkweed is a moderate to severe poisoning in dogs and cats, which means get to the vet as soon as you suspect your pet has ingested the plant, or even butterflies or caterpillars that eat milkweed.
How tall does milkweed grow?
This milkweed grows to about 1.5 meters(5 feet) tall, usually occurring in clusters of stout stems. It has rhizomes and quickly forms colonies. Leaves are 15-20 centimeters (6-8 inches) long and 5-9 centimeters (2-3.6 inches) wide. They are somewhat thick with a prominent midrib beneath.
Do slugs eat milkweed?
Slug Problems While resistant to disease, milkweed does attract slugs. These slow-moving, leaf-eating garden pests damage leaves and flowers when given a chance. If you notice large holes in the leaves, check for slugs — the best time is after dark with a flashlight — under the leaves every two to three days.
When is milkweed in season?
Milkweed produces purple or pink flowers arranged in drooping clusters. Milkweed blooms from June to August and produces large quantities of nectar which attracts butterflies, moths and bees, responsible for the pollination of this plant.
Is milkweed drought tolerant?
Scarlet milkweed is a popular annual milkweed. Seed (which must have a moist cold stratification period) is started indoors in early spring for shorter–summer zones, or outside in warmer areas. Scarlet milkweed is reported as drought tolerant but will grow more lush with moist conditions.
How do milkweed seeds grow?
All milkweed seeds need vernalization, which is a chilling period prior to germination. This happens naturally outdoors in a cold climate: the plant drops its seeds in fall and they sprout in spring. Indoors, you can mimic this by placing the seeds in the fridge for several weeks before sowing them.
What are the different types of milkweed?
Three species of milkweed are good all-around choices for gardens in most regions of the country: common milkweed (A. syriaca), swamp milkweed (A. incarnata), and butterfly weed (A. tuberosa). The last two are highly ornamental and available in a variety of cultivars.