Asclepias tuberosa
Family: Asclepiadaceae
Herbaceous perennial. Native to the central. eastern and southern United
States. A strikingly beautiful herb, with tresses of deep yellow
and orange flowers which attract Monarch butterflies. We never even saw
a Monarch on this land until we grew Pleurisy Root in profusion, and now
they arrive here every year and breed on the plants. The tuberous root
is an unsung hero of traditional herbalism, having been used as a fever-reducing
agent, digestive and anti-inflammatory. Specific for treating inflammation
of serous membranes (as in pleurisy). This plant is recommended for
demonstration gardens, for those interested in growing rare herbs and for
potted herb sales. Cultivation: Easy.
Seed germinates best if given a cold treatment before planting. Mix seed
in damp potting soil, put in a plastic bag and place in refrigerator for
2 weeks, or direct seed in the fall or very early spring. Some of these
vigorous seedlings will come up even without cold treatment. Prefers
full sun and average soil. Plant 1 foot apart. Grows to 2 feet
tall.
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