Woolly milkweed, Silky milkweed

At maturity, this species reaches approximately Typically reaches 1-3 feet in height, presenting Linear to lanceolate leaves, covered with fine hairs, pale green to grayish in color along with Clusters of orange to yellow flowers with a characteristic tubular shape, blooming from late spring to early summer, followed by Produces elongated, hairy seed pods containing numerous seeds with silky tufts. These features are supported by a reliable Taproot system, ensuring stability and sustained growth.

Native to Native to North America, particularly in the southwestern United States, Woolly milkweed, Silky milkweed thrives in Dry, open fields, grasslands, and disturbed sites at elevations around Typically found at elevations from 1,000 to 6,000 feet. Best suited for USDA Hardiness Zone Zones 5-9. Whether grown indoor, in a curated garden or a more natural setting, its ecological requirements help maintain its vigor over time.

You can use our free plant identify app PlantPlants to chose the best spot for Woolly milkweed, Silky milkweed, This plant prefers Prefers full sun to partial shade and flourishes in Well-drained sandy or loamy soil with a soil pH of about 6.0 7.5.

Woolly milkweed, Silky milkweed needs watering,Moderate; tolerates drought conditions once established, guided by PlantPlants app, You can get plants daily watering schedule. to maintain Prefers dry to moderately moist conditions, ensure steady hydration. Applying water through Water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage supports even distribution and helps prevent overwatering or dryness.

Woolly milkweed, Silky milkweed performs best within Thrives in temperatures between 60 F and 80 F. Its ideal growth occurs at around 70 F, though it tolerates ranges from Min: 20 F; Max: 100 F. Additionally, maintaining Low to moderate humidity preferred encourages healthy foliage and overall plant vigor.

Feeding with Balanced slow-release fertilizer at the recommended Seasonal Application Frequency on PlantPlants App keeps nutrients balanced. Incorporating Compost or well-rotted manure may improve fertility enhances soil structure and fertility, while staying alert to Yellowing leaves may indicate nitrogen deficiency helps you adjust care as needed to maintain optimal plant health.

Regular attention ensures this plant’s beauty and longevity. Prune back in late fall or early spring for Cut back old stems to promote new growth tidies its appearance, while Not usually needed; self-seeding often fills in may be necessary as it grows, requiring a If grown in containers, increase pot size every 2-3 years increase and a fresh Well-draining potting mix with added sand or perlite. for Staking or Support. Generally self-supporting unless in windy areas.

During Dormant in winter, growth may slow and some Leaves may turn yellow and die back in fall can occur. For those looking to propagate, consider Can be propagated by seed or stem cuttings and provide Cold stratification may be beneficial for seed germination; soak seeds before planting when starting from seed. If using cuttings, follow Take semihardwood cuttings in late spring or early summer; use rooting hormone for best results to ensure successful rooting and healthy new plants.

our free plant identify and care app PlantPlants can help you diagnosisWoolly milkweed, Silky milkweed problems.Though generally robust, keep watch for Aphids, spider mites, and leafhoppers and remain vigilant against Fungal infections like powdery mildew. Implementing Maintain good air circulation, avoid overhead watering and applying Use insecticidal soap or neem oil for pest issues; ensure proper spacing between plants for disease control when issues arise will help sustain the plant thriving.

This plant pairs nicely with Coneflowers, goldenrods, and other native prairie plants and shows Not widely noted, making it a flexible choice for various Excellent for butterfly gardens, native plant gardens, and xeriscaping.

the Edible Parts: Young shoots, flowers. Toxicty of Woolly milkweed, Silky milkweed, Slightly toxic; young shoots and flowers are sometimes used in small amounts. learning about its Spring for young shoots; flowers can be harvested during their bloom, Can be used in salads; flowers can be candied as a garnish, and Contains some vitamins A and C, along with fiber can be intriguing for culinary explorers. Some traditions highlight its Traditionally used by Indigenous peoples for various ailments, though caution is advised due to potential toxicity or note its Notably important for pollinators, especially monarch butterflies, which rely on milkweed for food.

With an Not currently listed, proper Protect native habitats and promote planting of native milkweeds to support declining monarch populations.