This page is specifically intended to provide more information about seeds available at Valley of the Tetons Library in the spring of 2025.
The species is Asclepius speciosa or showy milkweed. The original seeds used for this collection came from the Snake River Seed Cooperative in Boise. Unfortunately, they mis-identified the species as A. tuberosa. It turns out that one is not native to Idaho but A. speciosa is.
I started the seeds in pots then transplanted them to raised beds in 2023 where they grew sort of OK but not great. However, they overwintered fine, spread by rhizomes and really took off in 2024.
Other than the initial transplant from pots to soil, they are difficult to move, so if possible, they should be put where you want them. They will probably need supplemental watering unless you have a nearby stream or pond.
If you want more information (at least the little I have) or if you want some additional seeds, or if you plant these and they either totally fail or really take off, please feel free to contact me.
Good luck
John Cheeseman
