Asclepias exaltata and other happenings
A couple of days ago I found seeds of Asclepias exaltata germinated/overgrown within the moist towel I used for cold/moist stratification; reason why I don’t like to use this method too much (a great space saver though). When using moist vermiculite the roots have the possibility to grow in/attach and even feed a bit from the vermiculite.
Of course it is my fault I didn’t keep a good eye on the seeds. I managed to gently extract a few of the seedlings and planted them right away.
Asclepias exaltata germinated seeds
Asclepias exaltata seedlings
I probably showed this woodland Asclepias before, but the milkweeds are never enough :) and this one is indeed scarce in my region (SW Ontario). For this reason, I always collect selectively only few seeds and there are never enough for sale.
I am trying to produce more for my native woodland corner to address the issue, plus, to keep the pollinators happy! They are easy to grow, my 3 years old plant (grown from seeds) will flower this year. Meanwhile for those that need a remainder, this is the Poke milkweed.
Asclepias exaltata, Poke milkweed, flowering usually in late June
Speaking of something else, Hydrophyllum virginianum has a nice show in the woods right now, and also in my garden. The bumblebees are happy. Also flowering, Conopholis americana while Viola pubescens capsules are getting closer to maturity.
Hydrophyllum virginianum
And, Erythronium americanum capsules have been collected; this is one of the best collections I’ve done so far. The seeds will be available in the Seeds Shop next week.
Erythronium americanum capsules
Your posts are always interesting. Unfortunately, there is little hope for a woodland garden in central Don Mills! When the roots of my seedlings get entangled in paper towel, I cut the towel, leaving a little patch of paper attached to the plant where necessary. The paper composts quickly and the seedlings seem to develop normally provided the soil is moist.
Thank you; yes, I do the same. In any case, I am trying to use it less.
I have no woodland garden per se as well; any shady corner will do, or even a small/medium deciduous tree. I have a patch with Hydrophyllum virginianum,
H. canadense and few Podophyllum peltatum doing well under a young Heptacodium miconioides. Of course I will have to divide them once is a while but that’s fine.
I’m not familiar with this particular milkweed, but kudos for providing for the pollinators! The H. virginianum is gorgeous!
Thank you Tina,I’m trying hard :)
A tip from New Zealand try paper coffee filters instead of towels They seem to be denser and the radicles don’t penetrate. They are also less prone to mold. Ann Jolliffe, in BC.
Thanks Ann, I’ll try them with the first occasion. Coffee filters are in big demand here – I use them for holding/drying seeds :)