Plants ordered today will begin shipping in June of 2024
Pleurisy Root (Butterfly Weed) (Asclepias tuberosa), Potted Plant, Organic
$8.50
Family: Milkweed (Asclepiadaceae)
Hardy to Zones 3 to 9
(Butterfly Weed, Butterfly Flower) Herbaceous perennial native to the American prairies and hardy to -20 degrees F. Strikingly beautiful herb, with tresses of deep yellow and orange flowers, sometimes nearly red. 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. Large plants are best spaced at least 2 feet apart. Flowers to 3 feet tall.
Potted plant, Certified Organically Grown
Question
gab –
hello. I just received my Pleurisy Root. I wanted to make sure that it wasn’t supposed to come with any stem or greenery at this time (October). I just planted a bunch of roots (which looked intact and alive!). thank you
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Richo Cech –
hi gab, thanks for writing. Herbaceous perennials in the autumn go dormant and so depending on the timing of your order you may receive dormant potted plants. Confirm the presence of a taproot with buds and plant with confidence. Fall planting of such stock gives a big boost the following year. richo
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Question
Kalili (verified owner) –
Hello Richo, a three part question for you: 1. Does the plant get sacrificed to harvest roots (after 2nd year) or is it tolerant (during dormancy) to having partial roots harvested? 2. How deep does the tap root grow? 3. Is it possible to grow in a tall, large container (5 gal or larger)..or do you recommend in the ground only for its permanent growing place?
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Richo Cech –
hello kalili, thanks for your thoughtful questions. Pleurisy root is taprooted so it doesn’t respond particularly well to root division. Maybe after the plant is very old, but in the first half decade of growth not really advised to try to separate and propagate the crown. Anyhow, you’ll want to grow several if you want to make medicine out of 2-year-old roots, and just dig the whole thing. The taproots can go down 24 inches. These are showy plants but not huge–midsize plants, really–I’ve grown them in large containers before with good results. richo
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Question
Sheila –
I just got the ‘hello yellow’ variety, still called Asclepias Tuberosa from a local organic grower. Is it still medicinal or any differences in root potency compared with the orange variery?
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Richo Cech –
Basically when you alter the genetics to create one thing (color) you detract from another thing (medicine). Use the standard forms for medicine, it is safer and more effective that way.
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