Can You Root Butterfly Milkweed?

Question

I’ve seen some butterfly milkweed growing on embankments at the side of the road. Can I cut off some stocks and root it in a glass of water and then plant in my garden?

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Answer 1

The article below says to take stem cuttings before asclepias tuberosa flowers. It looks like you already have cuttings. Remove the flowers so it will concentrate on roots, not flowering. Not all plants will root in water, so I would try vermiculite or perlite as a growing medium. It also grows easily from seed.

Also, make sure it is legal to take cuttings from wild plants. If it doesn't root, butterfly weed is now common in many nurseries and garden centers, as well as native plant nurseries.

Here is more:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/projects/rooting-plant-cuttings.htm

https://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/faculty/davies/pdf%20stuff/ph%20final%20galley/M21_DAVI4493_08_SE_C21.pdf

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/milkweed/growing-butterfly-weed.htm