Milkweed- Spider (Asclepias viridis) (Florida Native)

Milkweed- Spider- Green Antelopehorn

Asclepias viridis

Asclepias viridis, listed as Green Antelopehorn by the USDA Plants Database, is also called spider milkweed by many sources. Asclepias viridis is quite common and is considered an important food source for the Monarchs as they start their spring migration northward. Spider Milkweed can adapt to almost any Florida soil type. Save the well amended areas for the fruits and veggies. Being native to the Southern US, Spider Milkweed is very heat and fairly drought tolerant when established, however it needs regular watering throughout it's early days. Adapts well to sandy prairies, pastures, and ditches. Direct sow in the Fall to let the seeds over-winter for a Spring and Summer bloom. If planting seeds in the late Winter or Spring, the seeds need 2-4 weeks of cold/wet stratification. Spider Milkweed forms 4-6" long tuber like roots, which it will come back from year after year.