Bloodflower - Asclepias curassavica (Care, Characteristics, Flower, Images, Toxic)

Bloodflower

Also known as: Mexican butterfly weed, Cotton bush

If you are looking to attract butterflies to your garden or yard, the bloodflower is one of the best ways to do it. This plant is known for its ability to attract butterflies with the yellow, red, and orange flowers that bloom on its tall stems in the summer and fall.

Scientific classification

Species

Bloodflower (Asclepias curassavica)

Gentians, dogbanes, madders, and allies

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Toxic to Human & Pets

Toxicity

Weeds

Weed or not

Perennial, Annual

Lifespan

Herb

Plant Type

Late spring, Summer, Fall

Bloom Time

All year round

Harvest Time

1 m

Plant Height

30 cm to 60 cm

Spread

Green

Leaf Color

1 cm to 1.5 cm

Flower Size

Brown, Green, Copper

Fruit Color

Red, Orange, Yellow

Flower Color

Green, Red, Orange

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Evergreen

Leaf type

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Summer, Fall

Growth Season

Moderate

Growth Rate

Images of Bloodflower

Distribution of Bloodflower

Distribution Map

Bloodflower is a plant native to the pastures and grasslands of Central America and North and Central South America. It also grows extensively as an introduced species throughout warmer parts of Europe, the US, southern and western Africa, and Asia. In tropic regions this species is a popular ornamental.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Pastures, wastelands, roadsides

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Flowering

Fruiting

Culture

Garden Use

Bloodflower is a plant that is grown ornamentally mainly for its showy red and orange flowers and year-round foliage. These flowers attract butterflies and hummingbirds to gardens in summer and fall. The best way to grow this subtropical plant is around patios or in containers. Good partners for this plant's bright flowers are black-eyed Susans, lilies, and yarrow.

Symbolism

Remembrance, dignity, freedom, our connection to the natural world

Interesting Facts

Bloodflower is an evergreen, tropical species of milkweed. Milkweed sap contains latex, which can be irritating to the skin and toxic to people and animals if ingested. Although it is welcoming to butterflies, its presence can disrupt their migration cycles. Pruning these beautiful plants before they go to seed will help to protect their migration patterns.

Name Story

Bloodflower: Like most milkweeds, this plant produces white latex at any part of the plant when damaged. Its rhizomes come in dark red or bright red or yellow, so they are called bloodflowers because they become very reddish when they are blooming.

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Cultivars

There are several recognized cultivars of Bloodflower, including the following common varieties :

Bloodflower 'Silky Deep Red'

Toxicity

Bloodflower is moderately toxic to humans, cats, and dogs. All parts contain harmful cardiac glycosides, causing vomiting, fatigue, and muscle spasms upon ingestion. Prompt veterinary care is crucial for poisoned pets. Curious children should be prevented from tasting the plant, which is common in gardens and parks. The greatest risk is ingestion by children or pets, not humans due to rare poisonings.

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Quickly Identify Bloodflower

Yellow-green lance-shaped leaves, 6 inches (15 cm) long.

Showy clusters of red and yellow flowers, 3-4 inches (7.5-10 cm) long.

Distinctive spindle-shaped seedpods, 3 inches (7.5 cm) long.

Brilliant orange-red petals with yellow centers, 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) across.

Dry, spindle-shaped pods, 2-6 inches (5-15 cm) with brown, winged seeds.

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Care Guide for Bloodflower

Every week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Originating from tropical environments, bloodflower thrives in humid conditions and prefers consistent moisture, tolerating brief dryness. Weekly watering supports its growth, and it benefits from natural rainfall during the growing season, making it ideal for outdoor cultivation for its vibrant blooms.

Fertilize: Bloodflower requires regular fertilization with a high-nitrogen formula monthly during the growing season, using half of the recommended dosage. Reduce applications in fall and stop in winter. Avoid direct stem contact, water the soil beforehand, and use gloves to maintain overall plant health.

Pruning: Bloodflower thrives with early spring pruning, removing spent flowers and untidy growth to promote a fuller shape and continuous blooms. Cutting stems back enhances air circulation, prevents disease, and supports vigorous growth, optimizing health and ornamental value throughout the growing season.

Propagation: Bloodflower propagates best through cuttings taken in spring and summer. The process has a moderate difficulty level, with new leaf growth indicating success. Maintaining optimal moisture and temperature is essential for effective propagation.

Repotting: Repot bloodflower every 2-3 years in spring to prevent root-binding, using a pot 2-3 inches larger. After repotting, provide indirect light and resume watering once new growth emerges. This care promotes bloodflower's vibrant blooms and supports monarch butterfly activity.

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Images of Bloodflower

Distribution of Bloodflower

Culture

Cultivars

Toxicity

Quickly Identify Bloodflower

Care Guide for Bloodflower

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