Plant Profile

Plant Profile

Asclepias physocarpa
family jewels milkweed

  • asclepiaspsychocarpa-copy-25

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Asclepias physocarpa or family jewels milkweed or hairy balls – as some of our customers love to call it, is actually to southwest Africa. In Mexico it is sometimes called Mexican Christmas tree because the seed pods/balls are on the tree at Christmas time.  They are an excellent nectar plant for all bees and butterflies and are good food for the monarch caterpillars. Plant in full sun to part shade.

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Plant Facts & Observations

Identification

Botanical Name

Asclepias physocarpa

Common Name

family jewels milkweed

Origin

Non-native, non-invasive

Characteristics

Plant Type

Shrub

Growth Rate

Moderate growth rate

Mature Size

5' tall × 4' wide

Flower Color

White

Blooming Season

Flowers Spring / Summer / Fall

Foliage

Semi-deciduous

Wildlife Value

Bees, Butterflies

Climactic Requirements

Light

Full Sun / Filtered Sun / Part Shade / Full sun on coast / afternoon shade inland

Water

Occasional
Availability

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