I GET A LOT OF REQUESTS FOR TROPICAL MILKWEED, AKA SILKY RED OR SILKY YELLOW. I DO NOT CARRY IT, AS IT HAS A HIGH POTENTIAL TO CARRY A PARASITE (OE) THAT CAN HARM/KILL MONARCHS AND SPREAD FROM CONTACT WITH OTHER BUTTERFLIES.
PLEASE DO THE MONARCHS A FAVOR AND PURCHASE NATIVE SEEDS. TROPICAL MILKWEED IS NOT NATIVE TO THE U.S. ALL ASCLEPIAS SEEDS IN MY SHOP ARE NATIVE AND DO NOT CARRY THIS PARASITE.
I am sure you are wondering what the differences are between Antelope Horn Milkweed and Green Antelope Horn Milkweed aka Green Milkweed. I carry both and the species do have a lot of similarities, particularly in color; The major differences are where they are native to and how they have adapted to these different climates. Also, this species has a more globe-like appearance, the leaves are more narrow and slightly fuzzy, it grows shorter and prefers very dry, well draining soil.
This would align with where it is native, which is in the drier, rockier soils of the western US. It is specifically native to the following states:
Arizona
California
Colorado
Kansas
Nevada
New Mexico
Oklahoma
Texas
Utah
Wyoming
There are 3 states where this species overlaps with Green Antelope Horn Milkweed, which are:
Texas, Oklahoma and Kansas.
Just like Green Milkweed, this species is a very important host for Monarch butterflies as well as many other pollinators, including other native butterflies, bumble bees and hummingbirds. I am obsessed with green flowers so I find these absolutely irresistible.
These need cold stratification to germinate. They either need 30 days of less than 45 degree weather outdoors or you can store the seeds in a moist paper towel and sealed in a plastic baggie and placed in your refrigerator for one month. This is needed in warm climates or for any climate when planting at a warmer time of year. Please note that germination is poor at temperatures of 85 degrees and above.
These can also be direct sown in fall in cooler climates where they will remain dormant and emerge in spring after a natural cold stratification.
Please note that the sap of this plant can cause skin sensitivities in some people. You should always wash your hands after handling milk weed.
Grows to 1-2 feet tall.
Hardy to zones 6-11 (Please note that some areas of the country that are warmer, are still not suitable as they need dry conditions.)
This is for 10 Seeds grown with absolutely no pesticide use. Sustainably harvested(not wild gathered) on private property.
We combine shipping on all seed orders, you pay one flat fee for as many seeds as you would like for no additional shipping. Orders over $35 for any combination of items ship for free!
All of our seeds are tested and guaranteed. Most of our seeds are fresh off of our own plants.
