Pleurisy Root (Asclepias tuberosa)

Family:  Milkweed (Asclepiadaceae)

Hardy to Zones 3 to 9

(Butterfly Weed, Butterfly Flower) Herbaceous perennial native to the American prairies.  Strikingly beautiful herb, with tresses of deep yellow and orange flowers, sometimes nearly red, to a height of 30 inches.  Magnetizes monarchs and feeds nectar to the bees.  The root (as suggested by the species name) delves deep and is very tough.  The root has a peculiar terebinthe odor.  Traditional usage (American Indian and TWM): inflammation of the serous membrane.  Low dose botanical.  Plant prefers full sun and regular watering.  Will survive in low-fertility areas and will cohabit happily with grasses.  Sow the seed in the early spring.  Tap-rooted plants are best sown in-situ, in the garden bed.  The seed is a good cold-soil germinator and if you are not planting in the early spring then it is best to pre-treat the seeds in moist medium in the refrigerator (not the freezer) for 2 weeks before sowing warm.  Germination is relatively fast and quite rewarding, as the seedlings are large and characteristically shaped.  Large plants are best spaced at least 2 feet apart.  Flowers to 3 feet tall.

Packet contains 30 seeds

Certified Organically Grown