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Uses

Toxic parts

Although no specific reports have been seen for this species, many, if not all, members of this genus contain toxic resinoids, alkaloids and cardiac glycosides[1]. They are usually avoided by grazing animals[1]. One report says that the plant is considered poisonous by some native North American Indian tribes[2].

Edible uses

There are no edible uses listed for Asclepias subulata.

Material uses

Rubber can be made from latex contained in the leaves and the stems[3][4][5].

Unknown part

Medicinal uses(Warning!)

The plant is emetic, ophthalmic, purgative and stomachic[3][2]. The reports do not specify which part of the plant is used.

Ecology

Ecosystem niche/layer

Ecological Functions

Nothing listed.

Forage

Nothing listed.

Shelter

Nothing listed.

Propagation

Seed - best sown in a greenhouse as soon as it is ripe in the autumn or in late winter[6][7]. We have also had good results from sowing the seed in the greenhouse in early spring[K], though stored seed might need 2 - 3 weeks cold stratification[6]. Germination usually takes place in 1 - 3 months at 18°c[6]. As soon as the seedlings are large enough to handle, prick them out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant out when they are in active growth in late spring or early summer and give them some protection from slugs until they are growing away strongly.

Division in spring. With great care since the plant resents root disturbance. Pot the divisions up and place them in a lightly shaded position in the greenhouse until they are growing away strongly, then plant them out in the summer, giving them some protection from slugs until they are established..

Basal cuttings in late spring. Use shoots about 10cm long with as much of their white underground stem as possible. Pot them up individually and place them in a lightly shaded position in a greenhouse until they are rooting and growing actively. If the plants grow sufficiently, they can be put into their permanent positions in the summer, otherwise keep them in the greenhouse until the following spring and when they are in active growth plant them out into their permanent positions. Give them some protection from slugs until they are established.

Practical Plants is currently lacking information on propagation instructions of Asclepias subulata. Help us fill in the blanks! Edit this page to add your knowledge.



Cultivation

Prefers a well-drained light rich or peaty soil in a sunny position[8][9]. Succeeds in poor soils.

Many members of this genus seem to be particularly prone to damage by slugs. The young growth in spring is especially vulnerable, but older growth is also attacked and even well-established plants have been destroyed in wet years[K]. Plants resent root disturbance and are best planted into their final positions whilst small[6]. A xerophytic plant, it looks like a species of Ephedra[9].

The flower of many members of this genus can trap insects between its anther cells, the struggles of the insect in escaping ensure the pollination of the plant[10].

Crops

Problems, pests & diseases

Associations & Interactions

There are no interactions listed for Asclepias subulata. Do you know of an interaction that should be listed here? edit this page to add it.

Polycultures & Guilds

There are no polycultures listed which include Asclepias subulata.

Descendants

Cultivars

Varieties

None listed.

Subspecies

None listed.

Full Data

This table shows all the data stored for this plant.

Taxonomy
Binomial name
Asclepias subulata
Genus
Asclepias
Family
Asclepiadaceae
Imported References
Edible uses
Medicinal uses
Material uses & Functions
Botanic
Propagation
Cultivation
Environment
Cultivation
Uses
Edible uses
None listed.
Material uses
None listed.
Medicinal uses
None listed.
Functions & Nature
Functions
Provides forage for
Provides shelter for
Environment
Hardiness Zone
6
Heat Zone
?
Water
moderate
Sun
full sun
Shade
light shade
Soil PH
Soil Texture
Soil Water Retention
Environmental Tolerances
    Ecosystems
    Native Climate Zones
    None listed.
    Adapted Climate Zones
    None listed.
    Native Geographical Range
    None listed.
    Native Environment
    None listed.
    Ecosystem Niche
    None listed.
    Root Zone Tendancy
    None listed.
    Life
    Deciduous or Evergreen
    ?
    Herbaceous or Woody
    ?
    Life Cycle
    Growth Rate
    ?
    Mature Size
    2 x meters
    Fertility
    ?
    Pollinators
    Flower Colour
    ?
    Flower Type

    "image:Asclepias subulata flowers 2.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Asclepias subulata flowers 2.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Asclepias subulata flowers 2.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

    "image:Asclepias subulata flowers 2.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Asclepias subulata flowers 2.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.


    "image:Asclepias subulata flowers 2.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

    "image:Asclepias subulata flowers 2.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

    "image:Asclepias subulata flowers 2.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Asclepias subulata flowers 2.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Asclepias subulata flowers 2.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Asclepias subulata flowers 2.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Asclepias subulata flowers 2.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Asclepias subulata flowers 2.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.






    References

    1. ? 1.01.1 Diggs, Jnr. G.M.; Lipscomb. B. L. & O'Kennon. R. J [Illustrated Flora of North Central Texas] Botanical Research Institute, Texas. (1999-00-00)
    2. ? 2.02.12.2 Moerman. D. Native American Ethnobotany Timber Press. Oregon. ISBN 0-88192-453-9 (1998-00-00)
    3. ? 3.03.13.23.3 Usher. G. A Dictionary of Plants Used by Man. Constable ISBN 0094579202 (1974-00-00)
    4. ? 4.04.1 Whiting. A. G. A Summary of the Literature on Milkweeds (Asclepias spp) and their utilization. ()
    5. ? 5.05.1 Hill. A. F. Economic Botany. The Maple Press (1952-00-00)
    6. ? 6.06.16.26.3 Rice. G. (Editor) Growing from Seed. Volume 2. Thompson and Morgan. (1988-00-00)
    7. ? Buchanan. R. A Weavers Garden. ()
    8. ? F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press (1951-00-00)
    9. ? 9.09.19.2 Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press ISBN 0-333-47494-5 (1992-00-00)
    10. ? Coffey. T. The History and Folklore of North American Wild Flowers. Facts on File. ISBN 0-8160-2624-6 (1993-00-00)
    11. ? Munz. A California Flora. University of California Press (1959-00-00)

    "image:Asclepias subulata flowers 2.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

    Facts about "Asclepias subulata"RDF feed
    Article is incompleteYes +
    Article requires citationsNo +
    Article requires cleanupYes +
    Belongs to familyAsclepiadaceae +
    Belongs to genusAsclepias +
    Has binomial nameAsclepias subulata +
    Has common nameRush Milkweed +
    Has drought toleranceIntolerant +
    Has fertility typeBees +, Insects + and Lepidoptera +
    Has flowers of typeHermaphrodite +
    Has hardiness zone6 +
    Has imageAsclepias subulata flowers 2.jpg +
    Has lifecycle typePerennial +
    Has material partUnknown part +
    Has material useLatex +
    Has mature height2 +
    Has medicinal partUnknown part +
    Has medicinal useEmetic +, Ophthalmic +, Purgative + and Stomachic +
    Has primary imageAsclepias subulata flowers 2.jpg +
    Has search nameasclepias subulata + and rush milkweed +
    Has shade toleranceLight shade +
    Has soil ph preferenceAcid +, Neutral + and Alkaline +
    Has soil texture preferenceSandy +
    Has soil water retention preferenceWell drained +
    Has sun preferenceFull sun +
    Has taxonomic rankSpecies +
    Has taxonomy nameAsclepias subulata +
    Has water requirementsmoderate +
    Is taxonomy typeSpecies +
    PFAF cultivation notes migratedNo +
    PFAF edible use notes migratedYes +
    PFAF material use notes migratedNo +
    PFAF medicinal use notes migratedNo +
    PFAF propagation notes migratedNo +
    PFAF toxicity notes migratedNo +
    Tolerates nutritionally poor soilNo +
    Uses mature size measurement unitMeters +
    Has subobjectThis property is a special property in this wiki.Asclepias subulata +, Asclepias subulata +, Asclepias subulata +, Asclepias subulata + and Asclepias subulata +