Pleurisy Root Organic Plant Seeds for Attracting Butterflies, Fairy Garden, Witch's Garden

Pleurisy Root (Asclepias tuberosa) is a strikingly beautiful herbaceous perennial native to the American prairies. Its flowers of deep yellow and orange flowers, sometimes nearly red, magnetizes monarchs and bees feeding nectar through its vibrant blossoms and leaves.

In ages past, the root was dried and made into a low-dose tea or tincture for treating pleurisy, which is the inflammation of the serous membrane and can be quite a painful affliction. The herb is seldom used in current herbal practice is mainly planted for display and the attraction of helpful insects. With the connections to bees and monarch butterflies, the pleurisy root is considered an excellent attractant to faeries in the garden. Additionally, it is said to have uses in spells involving divination, wish-granting, and calling spirits. Add milkweed fluff to dream pillows for dreaming of the faerie and other nature spirits. It is said to be excellent for creative energy. The fluffy seeds of the plant are often used to make wishes. Wait until your flowers have gone to seed, then harvest your bounty. When you’re ready, place some of the milkweed’s billowy seeds in your hand. Imbue your seeds with your focused intention, then gently blow across them, sending your seeds to the winds for manifestation.

Cultivation: Hardy in zones 3-9. This plant prefers full sun and regular watering. Will survive in low-fertility areas and will cohabit happily with grasses. Sow the seed in the early spring. Tap-rooted plants are best sown in-situ, in the garden bed. The seed is a good cold-soil germinator, and if you are not planting in the early spring, then it is best to pre-treat the seeds in a moist medium in the refrigerator (not the freezer) for two weeks before sowing warm. Germination is relatively fast and quite rewarding, as the seedlings are large and characteristically shaped. Large plants are best spaced at least 2 feet apart — flowers to 3 feet tall.

Packet of 30 organic Pleurisy Root (Asclepias tuberosa) seeds.