Indian Milkweed (Asclepias Eriocarpa), also called Woollypod or Kotolo Milkweed, is only native to California. Their extensive and fleshy leaves make them one of the best Food Sources for Monarch Butterfly Caterpillars.
INDIAN MILKWEED IS DIFFICULT TO CULTIVATE
Indian Milkweed is one of the most challenging Milkweed Varieties to cultivate. It starts with the ratio of seeds germinating. In my experience, the germination percentage is about 1 out of 10 seeds. In comparison, Showy Milkweed Seeds germinate with a ratio of 1 out of 6 seeds.
Indian or Kotolo Milkweed grows very slowly. In the first two years, the chance of the seedling dying is relatively high. Asclepias Eriocarpa needs full sun and sufficient water but reacts negatively to too much water. Therefore, one needs to monitor the plant’s reaction to one’s watering habit and schedule.
When Woollypod (Indian, Kotolo) Milkweed has rooted, it becomes very resilient and will grow abundantly.
INDIAN (WOOLLYPOD, KOTOLO) MILKWEED FACTS
Indian Milkweed is only native to California, except in adjacent areas in Nevada. However, it is primarily found in the coastal, dry spots along the Coast of California. The leaves are typically coated in thick layers of white hair. The leaves can be shaped in lance shape, but some plants develop leaves with oval forms. The plant produces a large flower cluster with white to pinkish flowers.
Indian Milkweed can tolerate different kinds of soils and thrives even in clay. In perfect conditions, the plant can grow up to 5 feet, but most plants will grow wider than tall. The toxic alkaloids of the milk sap are pretty potent and make the Monarch caterpillars un-edible to predators.
GROWING TIPS
When growing Indian Milkweed from seeds, do not hesitate to place up to 10 seeds in your starter pot. Make sure to plant the seeds before the end of November so that they can cold-stratify during the winter months. Seedlings will appear later than in other varieties. In my experience, it might take until the end of May for seedlings to come out. Allow the seedlings to grow at least 3 to 4 inches high with showing four leaves before you transfer them to a larger pot. Although it is said that Indian Milkweed does not need much water, make sure that the earth is always moist. Especially at the beginning of their growth cycle, enough water is crucial for the development of the root system.
Please keep them in Full Sun and wait until September/October before planting them in your garden. Then, I would wait until the following year to replant them, giving them a fighting chance to have a robust enough root system to survive.
NATIVE CALIFORNIA TRIBES USAGE OF INDIAN MILKWEED
The name Indian Milkweed was given due to the wide range of uses of Asclepias Eriocarpa for the Native American Tribes living in the area of today’s California.
Primarily it was used for medicinal purposes. The sap of Indian Milkweed was used to heal sores and cuts and to cure warts and ringworm. Seeds were ground and made into a salve for sores. Seeds were also boiled, and the liquid was used to draw venom from rattlesnake bites. Tea made from the rhizomes (roots) was a remedy for measles or coughs.
The roots were mashed with warm water as a wash to cure rheumatism and also used as a dressing to reduce swelling.
The stems were used as fiber to make strings and ropes and sometimes used to make protective clothing.
WHY DOES INDIAN MILKWEED GO DORMANT IN THE FALL?
Indian Milkweed, along with most milkweed varieties, goes dormant in late fall. This means that the plant eventually wholly disappears after the leaves turn yellow and fall off. This is necessary so that the Monarch Butterflies move on to their wintering destinations and not be confused to stay put and continue to lay eggs.
