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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]. The plant is said to be poisonous to sheep[2].

Edible uses

Notes

A gum obtained from the latex in the stems can be used for chewing[3][4][5][6][7]. It is usually boiled in water first until it coagulates and is sometimes mixed with oil[8].

Unknown part

Gum

Material uses

A fibre from the stems is used for ropes, clothing etc[3][4][5][9][8]. The fresh stems are soaked in water, or the dried and decaying stems basted with boiling water, in order to remove the fibre[8]. Rubber can be made from latex in the stems and leaves[3][4][5][6][7]. The leaves contain up to 2.4% latex[10].

Unknown part

Medicinal uses(Warning!)

A decoction of the plant, and a salve made from it, is used in the treatment of colds[8].

The milky sap is applied on a regular basis to corns in order to gradually remove them[8]. It is also applied to cuts, sores and warts[8]. The powdered dried roots are inhaled to cause sneezing[8].

Smoke from the burning dried plant is inhaled as a treatment for asthma[8].

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[11][12]. 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[11]. Germination usually takes place in 1 - 3 months at 18°c[11]. 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 eriocarpa. Help us fill in the blanks! Edit this page to add your knowledge.



Cultivation

Prefers a well-drained light rich or peaty soil in full sun[2][13]. Succeeds in poor soils.

This species is not very hardy in Britain, the plants may need root protection in severe winters[2] but if this is applied as a mulch then it should be removed before new growth begins in the spring because plants are particularly at risk from slugs[K]. 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[11].

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[14].

Crops

Problems, pests & diseases

Associations & Interactions

There are no interactions listed for Asclepias eriocarpa. 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 eriocarpa.

Descendants

Cultivars

Varieties

None listed.

Subspecies

None listed.

Full Data

This table shows all the data stored for this plant.

Taxonomy
Binomial name
Asclepias eriocarpa
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
8
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
    Fertility
    ?
    Pollinators
    Flower Colour
    ?
    Flower Type

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    "image:Asclepiaseriocarpa.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Asclepiaseriocarpa.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.


    "image:Asclepiaseriocarpa.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

    "image:Asclepiaseriocarpa.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

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    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 F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press (1951-00-00)
    3. ? 3.03.13.23.33.4 Uphof. J. C. Th. Dictionary of Economic Plants. Weinheim (1959-00-00)
    4. ? 4.04.14.24.34.4 Usher. G. A Dictionary of Plants Used by Man. Constable ISBN 0094579202 (1974-00-00)
    5. ? 5.05.15.25.35.4 Balls. E. K. Early Uses of Californian Plants. University of California Press ISBN 0-520-00072-2 (1975-00-00)
    6. ? 6.06.16.26.3 Yanovsky. E. Food Plants of the N. American Indians. Publication no. 237. U.S. Depf of Agriculture. ()
    7. ? 7.07.17.27.3 Kunkel. G. Plants for Human Consumption. Koeltz Scientific Books ISBN 3874292169 (1984-00-00)
    8. ? 8.008.018.028.038.048.058.068.078.088.098.10 Moerman. D. Native American Ethnobotany Timber Press. Oregon. ISBN 0-88192-453-9 (1998-00-00)
    9. ? 9.09.1 Saunders. C. F. Edible and Useful Wild Plants of the United States and Canada. Dover Publications ISBN 0-486-23310-3 (1976-00-00)
    10. ? 10.010.1 Whiting. A. G. A Summary of the Literature on Milkweeds (Asclepias spp) and their utilization. ()
    11. ? 11.011.111.211.3 Rice. G. (Editor) Growing from Seed. Volume 2. Thompson and Morgan. (1988-00-00)
    12. ? Buchanan. R. A Weavers Garden. ()
    13. ? Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press ISBN 0-333-47494-5 (1992-00-00)
    14. ? Coffey. T. The History and Folklore of North American Wild Flowers. Facts on File. ISBN 0-8160-2624-6 (1993-00-00)
    15. ? Munz. A California Flora. University of California Press (1959-00-00)

    "image:Asclepiaseriocarpa.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.