Hall's milkweed (Asclepias hallii)

At a glance

Lifecycle: Perennial (hardy)
Exposure: Full sun
Frost limit: −40 °C

Cultivation

Prefers a well-drained light rich or peaty soil and a sunny position. This species is closely related to A. purpurascens. 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[K]. 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.

Propagation

Seed - best sown in a greenhouse as soon as it is ripe in the autumn or in late winter. 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.

Edible uses

The following uses have been recorded for A. speciosa, it is fairly safe to assume they can also be applied to this closely related species[K]. Flower buds - raw or cooked. Young shoots and leaves - cooked. Tips of older shoots are cooked like spinach. Young seed pods, 3 - 4 cm long, cooked. Very appetizing. Flower clusters can be boiled down to make a sugary syrup. Seed - raw. A chewing gum can be made from the latex contained in the stem and leaves. Root. No further details.

Medicinal uses

The following uses have been recorded for A. speciosa, it is fairly safe to assume they can also be applied to this closely related species[K]. The latex is used as a cure for warts. A tea made from the whole plant has been used as a contraceptive after childbirth.

Material uses

The following uses have been recorded for A. speciosa, it is fairly safe to assume they can also be applied to this closely related species[K]. A good quality tough fibre is obtained from the bark. The seed floss is used to stuff pillows etc or is mixed with other fibres to make cloth. It is very water repellent. The floss has also been used to mop up oil spills at sea. Rubber can be made from latex contained in the leaves and the stems. Pods contain an oil and a wax which are of potential importance. A green dye is obtained from the flowers and leaves combined.