Common Name: Bedstraw Milkweed

General Information

Asclepias verticillata is an erect, herbaceous perennial plant producing a cluster of unbanched stems 15 - 100cm tall from a rather short, superficial rootstock[, ].
The plant was often used as a food and medicine by the native North Americans, and is a potential source of latex for making rubber.

Known Hazards

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. They are only toxic if eaten in large quantities, causing vomiting, stupor, weakness and spasma[, ].
The plants are usually avoided by grazing animals[].

Botanical References

,

Range

Central and southern N. America - North Dakota to Massachusetts, south to Arizona, Texas and Florida

Habitat

Prairies, thickets, and open woods, usually in rather dry soil; sand-dunes; spreading to roadsides and fence corners[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.40 m
Pollinators	Bees, Insects, Lepidoptera
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Prefers a well-drained light rich or peaty soil[, ]. 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[].
Plants resent root disturbance and are best planted into their final positions whilst small[].
The flower of many members of this genus can trap insects between its anther cells - the struggles of the insect in escaping (especially bees and wasps) pulls with it the pollinium (sacs of pollen) which are then transported to the next flower and deposited there, ensuring pollination of the flower[, ].

Edible Uses

Young buds[, ]. No further details. Does this refer to the flower buds or the young stems?[]. The young shoots of several other species are used as an asparagus substitute[].

Young seedpods - raw[, ].

Root - raw[].

Medicinal

The Hopi Indians used this plant to increase the flow of milk, but the part used and method of preparation are not known[, ].

Other Uses

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

A very strong, greyish-white fibre is obtained from the stems[]. It is used for sewing and also to make string[].

Propagation

Seed - best sown in a greenhouse as soon as it is ripe in the autumn or in late winter[, ]. We have also had good results from sowing the seed in the greenhouse in early spring[], though stored seed might need 2 - 3 weeks cold stratification[]. Germination usually takes place in 1 - 3 months at 18°c[]. 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.