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Asclepias (incarnata L.)

Randall Lester
Assistant Manager
USDA NRCS - Appalachian Plant Materials Center
P.O. Box 390
Alderson, West Virginia 24910
304-445-3005
304-445-7049 (fax)
randall.lester@wv.usda.gov
http://plant-materials.nrcs.usda.gov/wvpmc

Family Scientific Name: Asclepiadaceae
Family Common Name: Milkweed family
Scientific Name: Asclepias incarnata L.
Common Name: Swamp milkweed
Species Code: ASIN
Ecotype: Monongahela National Forest
General Distribution: Widely distributed across the US and Canada from Quebec and Maine south to Florida and Texas and west to Nevada and Idaho.
Known Invasiveness: Not known to be invasive in the US.
Propagation Goal: plants
Propagation Method: seed
ProductType: Container (plug)
Time To Grow: 6 Months
Target Specifications: A well developed plant suitable for transplanting with at least 12" of top growth and a healthy root system.
Propagule Collection: Seeds were collected from multiple existing populations within the boundaries of the Monongahela National Forest. Mature seed pods were collected from numerous plants to ensure genetic diversity.
Propagule Processing: Seed pods were placed in a breathable cloth bag to allow for air drying. Once dried, seed pods were opened to remove the enclosed seeds. The seeds were cleaned by hand to separate the seeds from the fluffy hairs.
Pre-Planting Treatments: No pretreatment was used.
Growing Area Preparation/
Annual Practices for Perennial Crops:
Pro-mix BX with biofungicide was moistened and placed in heavy plastic trays. The soil was compacted somewhat to prepare a firm seedbed.
Establishment Phase: Seed was spread evenly on the soil surface and then covered with 1/4 inch of additional soil. The top layer was pressed down slightly to ensure good seed to soil contact. The trays were placed in the cooler (34 degrees F) for 30 days to allow for cold, moist stratification.
Length of Establishment Phase: 1 month
Active Growth Phase: After cold stratification, the trays were moved directly to the greenhouse for germination. Seedlings began to emerge after about 2 weeks in the greenhouse. Once the seedlings had developed sufficient root systems, they were transplanted into quart plastic containers filled with Metro-mix 510 growing media.
Length of Active Growth Phase: 5 months
Hardening Phase: Plants were moved into the shadehouse to allow for hardening off before shipping.
Length of Hardening Phase: 2 weeks
Harvesting, Storage and Shipping: Plants with sufficient top growth and root development were shipped back to the Monongahela National Forest for transplanting. Trailers were covered with tarps to prevent excessive wind burn damage.
Length of Storage: 1 day
Other Comments: Swamp milkweed seeds often fall prey to weevil larvae while still in the seed pods. This will have a significant effect on the viability of the seeds.
References: USDA, NRCS. 2012. The PLANTS Database(http://plants.usda.gov, 12 July 2012). National Plant Data Team, Greensboro, NC 27401-49041 USA.

Citation:

Vandevender, John; Lester, Randall. 2014. Propagation protocol for production of Container (plug) Asclepias incarnata L. plants USDA NRCS - Appalachian Plant Materials Center Alderson, West Virginia. In: Native Plant Network. URL: https://NativePlantNetwork.org (accessed 2024/04/23). US Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, National Center for Reforestation, Nurseries, and Genetic Resources.