Milkweed ‘Antelope Horns’
Asclepias asperula
Characteristics
- Type: Perennial
- Zone: 3 – 8
- Height: 8 – 24 Inches
- Spread: 2 – 3 Feet
- Bloom Time: March to October
- Bloom: Creamy White with Burgundy Highlights
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Dry – Medium
- Maintenance: Low
- Suggested Use: Naturalize
- Flower: Showy
- Attracts: Bees, Butterflies, Birds
- Tolerates: Deer, Drought, Erosion, Dry Soil, Shallow-Rocky Soil
- Host: to Monarch, Soldier & Queen
- Native to Henderson County
- Texas Native
Culture
Milkweed ‘Antelope Horns’ stems are densely covered with minute hairs. The leaves are 4-8 inches long, narrow, and irregularly grouped. The long, thick, narrow leaves are often folded lengthwise. Antelope-horns have interesting and robust flower heads. The common name is derived from the curved form of the seed pods. Milkweed ‘Antelope Horns’ will inevitably have aphids. The insects are not a problem unless the plant looks sick; at that point an effective treatment is to spray the plant and aphids with soapy water. Another possible treatment is to support the plant part with your hand and blast it with high-pressure water.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Unlike many other Milkweed, Antelope Horns Milkweed (also known as Spider Milkweed) is a medium-height Milkweed, which can make it easier to fit into a small space, or an up-front garden. Flowers are quite large, extremely attractive, and creamy white with burgundy highlights. Plants will slowly spread in the garden, and are very tolerant of dry conditions.
Problems
No serious insect or disease problems. The sap may cause skin irritation.
Garden Uses
Butterfly gardens, meadows, prairies, or naturalized/native plant areas.
Courtesy of Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center