By
Carol Kagan, Master Gardener
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| Redring Milkweed (T.G. Barnes, USDA) |
Selected
by the Herb Society of America, Asclepias
variegata [Ass-KLE-pee-us var-ee-GAY-tuh]
is the Notable Native Herb for 2014. This species of milkweed has white, waxy flowers with reddish rings around the middle resulting
in its common name,
Redring Milkweed.
 |
| Redring Milkweed native areas & endangered in CT, NY & PA |
This
perennial plant is native to the lower 48 states as well as Canada and is hardy
in zones 6a-8b. It is on the endangered list in Connecticut, New York and
Pennsylvania. It does best in moist to dry shaded
roadsides, woodlands and open forest. While it likes moderate shade it
tolerates full sun.
 |
| Redring Milkweed on edge of forest (J.S.Kos) |
The
plant grows to 3 ft. tall and has terminal clusters of white waxy flowers with a red ring between the sepals and the upper part of the
flower. This
species of milkweed has many of the same characteristics as other milkweeds.
The plant has a long taproot that makes it very hardy and it produces lots of
nectar. The broken stems and leaves leak
a milky liquid.
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| Crab spider on redring milkweed (J.S.Kos) |
The flowers have a sweet odor. Bees,
wasps, butterflies, flies, spiders and ants can be seen on its flowers. Although
pollinator fans know milkweed as a host plant for monarch butterfly
caterpillars, the milk of this species is not an important food source for
them. The stands of this plant are sparse and often in shade which may
contribute to the few monarchs seen on them.
 |
Redring Milkweed Pods (G.S.Williamson)
|
This
plant flowers from May to June and produces narrow, upright seed pods. It can
be propagated from the seeds or plant division. Note that it is on the
endangered list in Pennsylvania.
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| Redring Milkweed Close-up (D.D. Taylor, USDA) |
Links
for more information
USDA Plant Database: Redring Milkweed
Anybody seen my focus-JS Kos Blog: Redring or White Milkweed
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