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Asclepias tuberosa
  • Pleurisy Root

a perennial member of the Asclepias genus in the family Asclepiadaceae.

248px
Niche
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    The ecosystem niches for this plant are unknown. Do you know them? Click the edit button to add them!
Functions
  • None
    None
    There are no functions defined for this plant. Do you know of some? Click the edit button to add them!
Light
  • Full sun
    Full sun
    The amount of sun exposure that a plant prefers in ideal conditions.
    Key
  • light shade
    Light shade
    The amount of shade a plant will tolerate without adverse health affects.
    Key
Water
  • Water Requirementsmoderate
    Moderate
    The amount of water a plant needs for healthy growth, relative to other plants.
    Key
Soil
  • acid,neutral,alkaline
    Acid to Alkaline
    The PH range (acidity or alkilinity) of the growth medium ideal for healthy nutrient absorbtion.
    Key
  • Sandy to Loamy
    The soil texture this plant prefers for optimal growth.
    Key
Cold & Heat
  • 3
    Zone 3
    The USDA Hardiness scale assigns plants a number from 1 to 12 representing the minimum temperature a plant can survive.
    Key
    0< -53.9ºC< -65ºF
    1-51.1ºC-60ºF
    2-45.6ºC-50F
    3-40ºC-40ºF
    4-34.4ºC-30ºF
    5-28.9ºC-20ºF
    6-23.3ºC-10ºF
    7-17.8ºC0ºF
    8-12.2C10ºF
    9-6.7ºC20ºF
    10-1.1ºC30ºF
    114.4ºC40ºF
    12> 10ºC> 5ºF
  • ?
    Unknown
    The AHS Heat scale assigns plants a number from 1 to 12 representing the number of days per year a plant requires a temperature exceeding 30ºC (86ºF).
    Key
    11
    21 - 7
    38 - 14
    415 - 30
    531 - 45
    646 - 60
    761 - 90
    891 - 120
    9121 - 150
    10151 - 180
    11181 - 210
    12181 - 210
Asclepias tuberosa has 0 edible uses listed
Asclepias tuberosa has 0 material uses listed
Asclepias tuberosa has 0 medicinal uses listed

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 poisonous if eaten in large quantities[2][3]. Very large doses can cause diarrhoea and vomiting[4].

Edible uses

Notes

Whilst most parts of this plant have been used as food, some caution is advised since large doses can cause diarrhoea and vomiting - see the notes above on toxicity.

Flower buds - cooked. They taste somewhat like peas[5]. Young shoots - cooked. An asparagus substitute[6][7][8][5][9]. The tips of older shoots are cooked like spinach[5]. Young seed pods - cooked. Harvested when 3 - 4 cm long and before the seed floss begins to form, they are very appetizing[6][7][10][11][5]. The flower clusters can be boiled down to make a sugary syrup[6][7][5][9]. In hot weather the flowers produce so much nectar that it crystallises out into small lumps which can be eaten like sweets, they are delicious[K]. Root - cooked[6][7][8][11][5][12]. A nutty flavour[13]. Some reports say that it is poisonous[9].

An edible oil is obtained from the seed[14]. The seed is very small, however, and commercial usage would not be very viable.

Flowers

Unknown use

Leaves

Unknown use

Root

Unknown use

Seedpod

Unknown use

Unknown part

Sweetener

Material uses

A good quality fibre is obtained from the bark and is used in making twine, cloth etc[14]. It is easily harvested in late autumn after the plant has died down by simply pulling the fibres off the dried stems[15].

The seed floss is used to stuff pillows etc or is mixed with other fibres to make cloth[15]. It is a kapok substitute, used in life jackets or as a stuffing material[15]. Very water repellent. The floss has also been used to mop up oil spills at sea. The plant is a potential source of latex, used for making rubber[16]. This species is the only member of the genus that does not have latex in its sap[17]. The seedpods contain an oil and a wax which are of potential importance. Candle wicks are made from the seed floss.

The seed contains up to 21% of a semi-drying oil[14].

Unknown part

Fibre
Latex
Oil
Pollution
Stuffing

Medicinal uses(Warning!)

Pleurisy root is a bitter, nutty-flavoured tonic herb that increases perspiration, relieves spasms and acts as an expectorant[18]. It was much used by the North American Indians and acquired a reputation as a heal-all amongst the earlier white settlers[19][20]. Its main use in present day herbalism is for relieving the pain and inflammation of pleurisy[19].

The root is antispasmodic, carminative, mildly cathartic, diaphoretic, diuretic, expectorant, tonic and vasodilator[7][10][8][13]. The root was very popular as a medicinal herb for the treatment of a range of lung diseases, it was considered especially useful as an expectorant[7][17][19]. It has never been scientifically examined and warrants further investigation[17]. It has also been used internally with great advantage in the treatment of diarrhoea, dysentery, rheumatism etc[7]. Use with caution[10], This remedy should not be prescribed for pregnant women[18]. See also the notes above on toxicity. The root is harvested in the autumn and can be used fresh or dried[18].

A poultice of the dried, powdered roots is used in the treatment of swellings, bruises, wounds, ulcers, lameness etc[21][18][4].

Unknown part

Antispasmodic
Carminative
Cathartic
Diaphoretic
Diuretic
Expectorant
Poultice
Tonic
Vasodilator

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[22][15]. 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[22]. Germination usually takes place in 1 - 3 months at 18°c[22]. 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 tuberosa. Help us fill in the blanks! Edit this page to add your knowledge.



Cultivation

Prefers a well-drained light, rich or peaty soil[23][24]. Prefers a sandy soil and a sunny position[25][26]. Prefers a slightly acid soil[18]. Prefers a dry soil[27][18].

Plants are hardy to about -20°c[27]. Another report says that this species is only suited to the warmer areas of Britain[26]. A very ornamental plant[23], but it is not easy to establish or to keep in British gardens[26]. Resents root disturbance[7][22], plants should be pot-grown from seed and planted out in their permanent positions when young. Plants are particularly at risk from slugs, however, and some protection will probably be required until the plants are established and also in the spring when the new shoots come into growth[K].

The flower can trap insects between its anther cells, the struggles of the insect in escaping ensure the pollination of the plant[28].

Crops

Problems, pests & diseases

Associations & Interactions

There are no interactions listed for Asclepias tuberosa. 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 tuberosa.

Descendants

Cultivars

Varieties

None listed.

Subspecies

None listed.

Full Data

This table shows all the data stored for this plant.

Taxonomy
Binomial name
Asclepias tuberosa
Genus
Asclepias
Family
Asclepiadaceae
Imported References
Edible uses
[5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14]
Medicinal uses
[18][19][20][7][10][8][13][17][21][4]
Material uses & Functions
[14][15][16][17]
Botanic
[29][24]
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
3
Heat Zone
?
Water
moderate
Sun
full sun
Shade
light shade
Soil PH
acid, neutral, alkaline
Soil Texture
sandy, loamy
Soil Water Retention
well drained
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
    perennial
    Growth Rate
    ?
    Mature Size
    0.75 x 0.45 meters
    Fertility
    ?
    Pollinators
    Bees, Insects, Lepidoptera
    Flower Colour
    ?
    Flower Type
    hermaphrodite

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    "image:Butterfly Weed Flower and Bud Closeup 2408px.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. ? Riotte. L. Companion Planting for Successful Gardening. Garden Way, Vermont, USA. ISBN 0-88266-064-0 (1978-00-00)
    3. ? Elias. T. and Dykeman. P. A Field Guide to N. American Edible Wild Plants. Van Nostrand Reinhold ISBN 0442222009 (1982-00-00)
    4. ? 4.04.14.2 Stuart. M. (Editor) The Encyclopedia of Herbs and Herbalism Orbis Publishing. London. ISBN 0-85613-067-2 (1979-00-00)
    5. ? 5.05.15.25.35.45.55.6 Harrington. H. D. Edible Native Plants of the Rocky Mountains. University of New Mexico Press ISBN 0-8623-0343-9 (1967-00-00)
    6. ? 6.06.16.26.36.4 Hedrick. U. P. Sturtevant's Edible Plants of the World. Dover Publications ISBN 0-486-20459-6 (1972-00-00)
    7. ? 7.07.17.27.37.47.57.67.77.87.9 Grieve. A Modern Herbal. Penguin ISBN 0-14-046-440-9 (1984-00-00)
    8. ? 8.08.18.28.38.4 Uphof. J. C. Th. Dictionary of Economic Plants. Weinheim (1959-00-00)
    9. ? 9.09.19.29.3 Facciola. S. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications ISBN 0-9628087-0-9 (1990-00-00)
    10. ? 10.010.110.210.310.4 Lust. J. The Herb Book. Bantam books ISBN 0-553-23827-2 (1983-00-00)
    11. ? 11.011.111.2 Usher. G. A Dictionary of Plants Used by Man. Constable ISBN 0094579202 (1974-00-00)
    12. ? 12.012.1 Tanaka. T. Tanaka's Cyclopaedia of Edible Plants of the World. Keigaku Publishing (1976-00-00)
    13. ? 13.013.113.213.3 Mills. S. Y. The Dictionary of Modern Herbalism. ()
    14. ? 14.014.114.214.314.4 Whiting. A. G. A Summary of the Literature on Milkweeds (Asclepias spp) and their utilization. ()
    15. ? 15.015.115.215.315.4 Buchanan. R. A Weavers Garden. ()
    16. ? 16.016.1 Schery. R. W. Plants for Man. ()
    17. ? 17.017.117.217.317.4 Weiner. M. A. Earth Medicine, Earth Food. Ballantine Books ISBN 0-449-90589-6 (1980-00-00)
    18. ? 18.018.118.218.318.418.518.6 Bown. D. Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, London. ISBN 0-7513-020-31 (1995-00-00)
    19. ? 19.019.119.219.3 Chevallier. A. The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants Dorling Kindersley. London ISBN 9-780751-303148 (1996-00-00)
    20. ? 20.020.1 Moerman. D. Native American Ethnobotany Timber Press. Oregon. ISBN 0-88192-453-9 (1998-00-00)
    21. ? 21.021.1 Foster. S. & Duke. J. A. A Field Guide to Medicinal Plants. Eastern and Central N. America. Houghton Mifflin Co. ISBN 0395467225 (1990-00-00)
    22. ? 22.022.122.222.3 Rice. G. (Editor) Growing from Seed. Volume 2. Thompson and Morgan. (1988-00-00)
    23. ? 23.023.1 F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press (1951-00-00)
    24. ? 24.024.1 Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press ISBN 0-333-47494-5 (1992-00-00)
    25. ? Sanders. T. W. Popular Hardy Perennials. Collingridge (1926-00-00)
    26. ? 26.026.126.2 Thomas. G. S. Perennial Garden Plants J. M. Dent & Sons, London. ISBN 0 460 86048 8 (1990-00-00)
    27. ? 27.027.1 Phillips. R. & Rix. M. Perennials Volumes 1 and 2. Pan Books ISBN 0-330-30936-9 (1991-00-00)
    28. ? Coffey. T. The History and Folklore of North American Wild Flowers. Facts on File. ISBN 0-8160-2624-6 (1993-00-00)
    29. ? Fernald. M. L. Gray's Manual of Botany. American Book Co. (1950-00-00)

    "image:Butterfly Weed Flower and Bud Closeup 2408px.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

    Retrieved from "http://practicalplants.org/w/index.php?title=Asclepias_tuberosa&oldid=75313"
    Facts about "Asclepias tuberosa"RDF feed
    Article is incompleteYes +
    Article requires citationsNo +
    Article requires cleanupYes +
    Belongs to familyAsclepiadaceae +
    Belongs to genusAsclepias +
    Has common namePleurisy Root +
    Has drought toleranceIntolerant +
    Has edible partFlowers +, Leaves +, Root +, Seedpod + and Unknown part +
    Has edible useUnknown use + and Sweetener +
    Has fertility typeBee +, Insects + and Lepidoptera +
    Has flowers of typeHermaphrodite +
    Has hardiness zone3 +
    Has imageButterfly Weed Flower and Bud Closeup 2408px.jpg +
    Has lifecycle typePerennial +
    Has material partUnknown part +
    Has material useFibre +, Latex +, Oil +, Pollution + and Stuffing +
    Has mature height0.75 +
    Has mature width0.45 +
    Has medicinal partUnknown part +
    Has medicinal useAntispasmodic +, Carminative +, Cathartic +, Diaphoretic +, Diuretic +, Expectorant +, Poultice +, Tonic + and Vasodilator +
    Has primary imageButterfly Weed Flower and Bud Closeup 2408px.jpg +
    Has search nameasclepias tuberosa + and x +
    Has shade toleranceLight shade +
    Has soil ph preferenceAcid +, Neutral + and Alkaline +
    Has soil teloamyture preferenceLoamy +
    Has soil tesandyture preferenceSandy +
    Has soil water retention preferenceWell drained +
    Has sun preferenceFull sun +
    Has taxonomy nameAsclepias tuberosa +
    Has water requirementsmoderate +
    Is taxonomy typeSpecies +
    Tolerates nutritionally poor soilNo +
    Uses mature size measurement unitMeters +