Nature’s packing strategies can be fascinating to me! This is one seed pod (fruit) from one Asclepias tuberosa plant — aka, “Butterfly-Weed,” “Chigger Flower,” “Butterfly Milkweed,” “Pleurisy Root.” One plant will have several of these and each of these fruits contains 30–40 seeds. Lots of chances to propogate.
From the Missouri Botanical Garden: “Asclepias tuberosa, commonly called butterfly weed, is a tuberous rooted, Missouri native perennial which occurs in dry/rocky open woods, glades, prairies, fields and roadsides throughout the State (Steyermark). It typically grows in a clump to 1-3' tall and features clusters (umbels) of bright orange to yellow-orange flowers atop upright to reclining, hairy stems with narrow, lance-shaped leaves. Unlike many of the other milkweeds, this species does not have milky-sapped stems. Flowers give way to prominent, spindle-shaped seed pods (3-6" long) which split open when ripe releasing numerous silky-tailed seeds for dispersal by the wind. Seed pods are valued in dried flower arrangements. Long bloom period from late spring throughout the summer. Flowers are a nectar source for many butterflies and leaves are a food source for monarch butterfly larvae (caterpillars). Also commonly called pleurisy root in reference to a prior medicinal use of the plant roots to treat lung inflammations.
“Genus name honors the Greek god Asklepios the god of medicine.
“Specific epithet means tuberous in reference to the roots.”
Retired economics professor (“dismal scientist”). Married 40+ years to the love of my life; we have two grown daughters, both married, two granddaughters and a...
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