Poke Milkweed
asclepias exaltata
Also known as: ["Pendulous Milkweed","Climbing Milkweed"]
Overview
A tall, herbaceous perennial native to eastern North America, known for its drooping clusters of greenish-white flowers and milky sap.
Benefits & Perks
["wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Gentianales |
| Family: | Apocynaceae |
| Genus: | Asclepias |
| Botanical Name: | Asclepias exaltata |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: garden bed with good air circulation, prefers slightly elevated positions
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter. Avoid heavy clay soils.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate. Remove up to one-third of the oldest stems to rejuvenate the plant.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily). Tolerates partial shade but may produce fewer flowers.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually if moving from shade to sun. Protect from intense midday sun in hot climates. Ensure adequate air circulation to prevent fungal issues in humid conditions.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full sun
Rotate plant for even growth; use shade cloth in extreme heat; avoid placing near reflective surfaces that intensify light.
Watering
every 7–10 days during growing season, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently to encourage deep roots; avoid waterlogged soil; ensure good drainage.
Soil
well-draining, loamy soil with moderate organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid overwatering; use a mix of potting soil and perlite.
Temperature
Prefers warm temperatures (65–85°F or 18–29°C). Tolerates heat but may go dormant in extreme cold.
Avoid sudden temperature shifts; protect from frost; ensure good air circulation in hot weather.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer with balanced liquid fertilizer
Fertilize sparingly to avoid leggy growth; stop fertilizing in late summer to prepare for dormancy; water before applying fertilizer.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or seed propagation. Stem cuttings are faster, while seeds offer genetic diversity.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Maintain humidity.
- Transplant once rooted.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm (70–75°F or 21–24°C), high humidity (70–80%), and bright indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand. For seeds, use a sterile seed-starting mix.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended for stem cuttings to improve success rates.
Timeline
Stem cuttings may root in 3–6 weeks. Seeds can take 2–4 weeks to germinate and several months to establish.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, humidity dome, misting bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems for cuttings; maintain consistent moisture; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Selective thinning of stems at the base; heading back to encourage branching.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove dead or diseased stems. Focus on removing old growth to promote new blooms.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers (for thicker stems), sterilizing solution.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune before active growth; remove dead/diseased stems; make clean cuts.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth starts.
Pot Size
One size up (e.g., from 4-inch to 6-inch pot).
Method
Gently remove the plant; trim any circling roots; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water thoroughly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container. Asclepias exaltata benefits from root restriction but may need repotting if growth slows.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; use fresh soil mix; trim roots if needed; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust seasonally.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone. Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal issues. Allow excess water to drain away completely.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during active growth, reducing frequency in winter to once every 3–4 weeks. Adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture retention.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure soil is loose and aerated.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or leaf drop in extreme heat or cold.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures can cause dormancy or damage tender growth, especially in non-hardy varieties.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base; move potted plants indoors; protect from frost with row covers.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can lead to wilting, leaf scorch, or reduced flowering.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during active growth; avoid winter feeding; water before and after.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during the growing season (spring to early fall). Avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicAsclepias exaltata is toxic to cats due to its cardiac glycoside content, which can cause severe cardiac and gastrointestinal distress. Cats are particularly sensitive to these compounds, and ingestion can lead to fatal outcomes.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicThe cardiac glycosides in Asclepias exaltata are highly toxic to dogs, affecting their cardiac and gastrointestinal systems. Ingestion can lead to severe cardiac dysfunction and electrolyte imbalances, which may be life-threatening.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicAsclepias exaltata contains cardiac glycosides, which can disrupt heart function and electrolyte balance, leading to severe physiological effects. The toxins interfere with sodium-potassium pumps in cells, causing cardiac arrhythmias and potentially fatal outcomes.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Asclepias exaltata toxic to pets?
A: Yes, it is mildly toxic to dogs and cats if ingested.
Q: Does this plant attract pollinators?
A: Yes, it is a host plant for monarch butterflies and attracts bees and other pollinators.
Q: How much sunlight does it need?
A: It prefers partial shade but can tolerate full sun with adequate moisture.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Apocynaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | partial shade to full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during growi |
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