Bedstraw Milkweed
Asclepias galioides
Family: Asclepiadaceae
What it is like
Asclepias galioides is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.4 m (1ft 4in). The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, insects, Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies). Suitable for: light (sandy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.
Height (m): 0.4
Where it is found
Not known
Central and southern N. America - Kansas to Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico And Mexico
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
Young buds. No further details. Does this refer to the flower buds or the young stems?. The young shoots of several other species are used as an asparagus substitute. Young seedpods - raw. Root - raw.
Root: includes bulbs, corms, tubers, rhizomes etc.
Seedpod: things such as Okra, French and Runner beans.
Medicine
Rating: 1
The Hopi Indians used this plant to increase the flow of milk, but the part used and method of preparation are not known.
Galactogogue: Promotes the flow of milk in a nursing mother.
Other
Rating:
Rubber can be made from latex contained in the stems and leaves.
Latex: A source of rubber.
How it is grown
We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it could succeed outdoors at least in the milder parts of this country. There is some confusion over nomenclature, A. galioides of several authors, but not H.B.K. = A. subverticillata. Schweig. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Prefers a well-drained light rich or peaty soil. Succeeds in poor soils. Many members of this genus seem to be particularly prone to damage by slugs. The young growth in spring is especially vulnerable, but older growth is also attacked and even well-established plants have been destroyed in wet years. Plants resent root disturbance and are best planted into their final positions whilst small. The flower of many members of this genus can trap insects between its anther cells, the struggles of the insect in escaping ensure the pollination of the plant.
Propagating it: Seed - best sown in a greenhouse as soon as it is ripe in the autumn or in late winter. We have also had good results from sowing the seed in the greenhouse in early spring, though stored seed might need 2 - 3 weeks cold stratification. Germination usually takes place in 1 - 3 months at 18°c. As soon as the seedlings are large enough to handle, prick them out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant out when they are in active growth in late spring or early summer and give them some protection from slugs until they are growing away strongly. Division in spring. With great care since the plant resents root disturbance. Pot the divisions up and place them in a lightly shaded position in the greenhouse until they are growing away strongly, then plant them out in the summer, giving them some protection from slugs until they are established.. Basal cuttings in late spring. Use shoots about 10cm long with as much of their white underground stem as possible. Pot them up individually and place them in a lightly shaded position in a greenhouse until they are rooting and growing actively. If the plants grow sufficiently, they can be put into their permanent positions in the summer, otherwise keep them in the greenhouse until the following spring and when they are in active growth plant them out into their permanent positions. Give them some protection from slugs until they are established.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness:
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Dry, moist
Things to keep in mind
Although no specific reports have been seen for this species, many, if not all, members of this genus contain toxic resinoids, alkaloids and cardiac glycosides. They are usually avoided by grazing animals.