Description
Asclepias speciosa
Sole food source for monarch butterfly caterpillars, with edible seedpods!
This North American native was nearly eradicated from ditch banks, putting stress on monarch butterflies (Idaho's State Insect!) who rely on it for food. Shoots, pods, silks, and flower buds are edible, with an asparagus-like flavor. Will spread slowly from roots. Open-pollinated.
For more information about growing this plant, visit the USDA plant guide.
Seeds grown by the Giving Ground Farm in Pocatello, Idaho, Quel Ranch in Garden City, Idaho and Montana Survival Seed in Florence, MT.
50 seeds.
Directions: Direct seed in fall for best results, or early spring, or plant into outdoor pots in fall and transplant in late spring.
Planting Depth |
Seed Spacing |
Days to Germination |
Days to Maturity |
⅛” |
12-18” |
varies |
perennial |