Origin
The Asclepias longifolia Michx. var. hirtella (Pennell) Farmer & Bell, commonly known as the "Tall Green Milkweed" or "Longleaf Milkweed," is a perennial plant species that belongs to the Asclepiadaceae plant family. This plant is native to North America and is found in diverse habitats including fields, roadsides, and open woods from eastern Canada to the southeastern United States.
Common Names
The plant has a number of common names including tall green milkweed, longleaf milkweed, green comet milkweed, green-flowered milkweed, western milkweed, and tall green milkweed.
Uses
The Asclepias longifolia Michx. var. hirtella (Pennell) Farmer & Bell is famous for its medicinal and ecological value. Its uses are numerous. For instance, the sap from the stem was used in traditional medicine to treat snake bites and warts. The plant is also an important food source for many insects, including the monarch butterfly, whose population depends on the plant species for survival. Additionally, the long green leaves and tall flowers of the plant make it a popular choice for many home and commercial gardeners as a landscaping plant.
General Appearance
The Asclepias longifolia Michx. var. hirtella (Pennell) Farmer & Bell plant grows up to a height of 3-5 feet and has an upright growth habit. The plant features long, narrow leaves that grow up to 6 inches in length and 2 inches in width. The leaves have a green color with a smooth shiny surface and are arranged oppositely along the stem. The plant also bears flowers that grow in clusters at the top of the stem. The flowers are greenish-white in color and have a unique, sweet fragrance. After the flowers are pollinated, the plant produces seed pods that are slender and about 5 inches long. The pods contain numerous seeds that are surrounded by silky, white hairs that help in their dispersal by the wind.
Growth Conditions for Asclepias longifolia Michx. var. hirtella (Pennell) Farmer & Bell
Light Requirements: Asclepias longifolia Michx. var. hirtella requires partial to full sunlight for optimal growth. The plant can tolerate partial shade but will not grow and develop well under complete shade.
Temperature Requirements: The plant is native to temperate regions and requires warm temperatures for growth. It can withstand temperatures as low as -12°C (10°F) but has a preferred range of 18-28°C (64-82°F). Asclepias longifolia Michx. var. hirtella cannot tolerate frost and requires protection during the winter season.
Soil Requirements: The plant prefers well-draining soil but can grow in a variety of soil types. It can tolerate acidic to slightly alkaline soils and can grow in rocky or sandy soils. Asclepias longifolia Michx. var. hirtella does not do well in wet or poorly drained soils and requires regular watering during the growing season.
Other Conditions: Asclepias longifolia Michx. var. hirtella requires a moderate amount of rainfall or watering during the growing season to thrive. It can also tolerate drought conditions but will not grow well under extreme drought stress. The plant is deer-resistant and attracts pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Cultivation
Asclepias longifolia Michx. var. hirtella (Pennell) Farmer & Bell is a perennial plant that is native to North America. It is commonly known as the tall green milkweed or the longleaf milkweed. This plant can be propagated from seeds or vegetative cuttings. It is best grown in full sun or partial shade, and in well-draining soils. Planting should be done in the spring when soil temperatures have reached at least 60°F.
Watering
It is important to keep the soil moist during the plants' growing season but not waterlogged. Once the plants have established themselves, they can tolerate drought conditions. Watering should be done in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid water evaporation during the heat of the day. It is also important not to wet the leaves or flowers when watering as this can cause waterborne diseases.
Fertilization
Asclepias longifolia Michx. var. hirtella (Pennell) Farmer & Bell is not a heavy feeder. It requires a balanced fertilizer applied in the early spring as the plants begin their growing season. It is recommended to avoid fertilizers that are high in nitrogen, as this can lead to excessive vegetative growth and fewer flowers. Organic fertilizers such as compost and manure can also be used to supply nutrients to the plant.
Pruning
Pruning is not required for Asclepias longifolia Michx. var. hirtella (Pennell) Farmer & Bell. However, removing dead flower heads and stems can help to improve the appearance of the plant. Propagation through vegetative cuttings can also be accomplished by taking stem cuttings in the summer and rooting them in moist soil.
Propagation of Asclepias longifolia Michx. var. hirtella (Pennell) Farmer & Bell
Asclepias longifolia Michx. var. hirtella (Pennell) Farmer & Bell, commonly known as longleaf milkweed or tall green milkweed, is a native plant species in the United States. This species belongs to the Asclepiadaceae family and is mostly found in the eastern and southeastern parts of the country. Propagation of this plant can be done using different methods, including seed propagation, cuttings, and division.
Seed Propagation
The most common way to propagate Asclepias longifolia var. hirtella is through seeds. The seeds can be collected from the plant or purchased from a reputable seed source. Sow the seeds in the fall or early spring in seed trays or pots filled with a well-draining potting mix. The seeds need to be placed 1/4 inch deep into the soil, and then cover it lightly with the soil mix. After planting, the seeds need to be kept moist and warm at a temperature of around 70-75°F. Germination can take anywhere from one to four weeks, depending on the environmental conditions. The seedlings can be transplanted outdoors after the last frost date.
Cuttings
Another way to propagate Asclepias longifolia var. hirtella is through stem cuttings. Cuttings are taken in the summer from non-flowering stems that are around 6 inches long. Remove the bottom leaves on the cutting and dip it into a rooting hormone. Then, insert the cutting into a pot filled with well-draining soil mix. Keep the pot in a shaded area with a temperature of around 70°F and mist the cutting every day to keep it hydrated. The cutting will form roots in around two to three weeks, and you can transplant it to your desired location.
Division
Asclepias longifolia var. hirtella can also be propagated through division. Division is done during the spring when the plant is starting to emerge from dormancy. Dig up the plant and identify the natural breaking points on the roots. Cut the roots into sections, making sure that each section has at least one healthy stem and a substantial root system. Replant the sections into the prepared soil, water them well, and mulch around the plants to help retain moisture.
By using the three different methods of propagation, you can expand your Asclepias longifolia var. hirtella plant collection and continue to enjoy its beautiful blooms in your garden.
Disease Management
Asclepias longifolia Michx. var. hirtella (Pennell) Farmer & Bell is susceptible to a few diseases that can harm its growth and productivity. Common diseases of this plant include:
- Fungal leaf spots: These appear as small brown spots on the leaves of the plant and can lead to defoliation. To manage fungal leaf spots, avoid overhead watering and prune infected leaves. Fungicides can also be used in severe cases.
- Milkweed Fusarium Wilt: This disease is caused by a soil-borne fungus that attacks the roots and stems of the plant. Symptoms include sudden wilting and yellowing of leaves. To manage Fusarium wilt, remove infected plants and avoid planting milkweeds in the same location. Fungicides offer little control for this disease.
Pest Management
Various pests cause damage to Asclepias longifolia Michx. var. hirtella (Pennell) Farmer & Bell which include:
- Milkweed Bugs: These bugs cause feeding damage to the plant by piercing the plant tissue and sucking out sap. Hand removal and insecticidal soap are effective in controlling milkweed bugs.
- Milkweed Aphids: These aphids are small and green and can be found feeding on the new growth of the plant. They cause leaves to curl and stunt the plant's growth. Management includes removal of infested parts and insecticides.
- Milkweed Tussock Moth: This moth feeds on the leaves of the plant and can cause significant defoliation if left uncontrolled. Hand removal and Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) are effective in managing milkweed tussock moths.
Proper cultural practices such as regular watering, removing diseased plants, and timely application of insecticides can go a long way in managing pests and diseases in Asclepias longifolia Michx. var. hirtella (Pennell) Farmer & Bell.
