common silkweed, silk grass, silky swallow wort, Virginian silk
Asclepias cornuti
This plant is listed as an invasive non-native species in the UK – see Cultivation section for details A clump-forming herbaceous perennial up to 1m tall. Broad green leaves grow along stems that exude a milky sap when cut or damaged. Domed clusters of pinkish-purple flowers appear in summer, followed by seed pods containing silky-tailed seeds
| Season | Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | ||||
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
This plant is on the GB Non-Native Species Secretariat list of Species of Special Concern and the EU list of Invasive Alien Species of Union Concern (applies in NI). It should not be planted or caused to grow in the wild in the UK. It is also banned from sale, and gardeners who already have it should take steps to control it. See RHS advice on invasive non-native species for further information
See cultivation notes
See cultivation notes
See cultivation notes
See cultivation notes