CALOTROPIS GIGANTEA Giant Milkweed Tree Plant Butterfly Garden Purple Flowers Starter Size 4 Inch Pot Emeralds Tm

Calotropis gigantea (formerly Asclepias) or Giant Milkweed is native to Asia. It has become naturalized in many other locations, including Western, Central and South America, the Caribbean, Brazil and Australia.

It's natural habitat is usually along roadsides, and on previously developed lots and acreage. The plant is a fast growing, soft wooded, evergreen or semi-deciduous tree-like shrub with soft, large oval shaped gray green leaves with an odd heart shaped base and hairy underside.

The trunk is covered with a thick, corky, white to gray, furrowed, gnarly bark and frequently grows at odd twisted angles as if pushed by the wind, or other unseen force. It will grow in a wide range of soil types, is very drought tolerant once well established and also tolerant of salt spray.

Giant Milkweed is frequently found growing wild in dry coastal environments. It is a lowland plant that does not typically grow at elevations above about 1000 feet. The Giant Milkweed produces clusters of waxy, five petaled flowers in multi-toned purples, lavender and white. The flowers are frequently used for tassels and leis.

The flowers attracts several species of butterflies, such Tiger Butterflies (Danaus chrysippus), Monarchs (Danaus plexippus), and others. Monarchs are believed to have the ability to utilize compounds from the flowers as a defense. A fibrous non edible fruit like seed pod follows the flower.

*One (1) Mature, well rooted starter size plant
*Growing in and and shipped in a 4 inch diameter plastic pot
*Plants will generally average a minimum of 6 to 12 inches tall
*Unlikely to have bloom or bud on arrival
*Tropical recommended for USDA Zones 10 and 11 (Cold protection required in all zones)