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Native Plant Society of Texas

Zizotes Milkweed

Asclepias oenotheroides

Other common name(s):

Hierba de Zizotes

Family:

Apocynaceae (Dogbane Family)

Plant Ecoregion Distribution Map

This map uses data from the US EPA. EPA  servers have been offline frequently so maps may not display. We are working on a solution.

Chihuahuan Deserts, East Central Texas Plains, Edwards Plateau, Gulf Coast Prairies and Marshes, Southern Texas Plains, Texas Blackland Prairies
Chihuahuan Basins and Playas, Chihuahuan Desert Grasslands, Chihuahuan Montane Woodlands, Low Mountains and Bajadas, Stockton Plateau
Bastrop Lost Pines, San Antonio Prairie, Southern Post Oak Savanna
Balcones Canyonlands, Edwards Plateau Woodland, Semiarid Edwards Plateau
Coastal Sand Plain, Lower Rio Grande Alluvial Floodplain, Lower Rio Grande Valley, Northern Humid Gulf Coastal Prairies, Southern Subhumid Gulf Coastal Prairies
Semiarid Edwards Bajada, Texas-Tamaulipan Thornscrub
Floodplains and Low Terraces1, Northern Blackland Prairie, Southern Blackland Prairie

Plant Characteristics

Growth Form

Herbaceous

Height

1
to
3
ft.

Spread

1
to
3
ft.

Leaf Retention

Deciduous

Lifespan

Perennial

Habitat and Care Requirements

Soil Type(s)

Dry, Gravelly, Limestone, Rocky, Sand

Light Requirement

Sun

Water Requirement

Low

Native Habitat

Grassland

Bloom and Attraction

Bloom Color

Green

Bloom Season

Spring, Summer

Seasonal Interest

Larval Host, Nectar, Pollen

Wildlife Benefit

Bees, Butterflies

Maintenance

Survives periodic droughts and even occasional mowing. Leafs out and flowers if rains follow a dry period. Great for butterfly gardens. Purple tinge comes to upper leaves in full sun. Prefers to grow in low density. Treat for aphids if plant looks sick with soapy water, not pesticides. WARNING: all milkweed are toxic to humans. Native habitat: prairies, ditches, fields.

Description

Blooms March-October. Mostly upright. Leaves oval with wavy edges. Fragrant flowers are green with purple tinges, appearing in the axis of leaves. The fruit is a pod, growing in pairs, with many small seeds attached to fluffy filaments. Although still listed by some in the Asclepiadaceae Family, the majority of botanical organizations now list it in the Apocynaceae Family. Larval host: Monarch Butterfly.
Previous Scientific Name(s): Asclepias brevicornu

References

Learn about how to propagate Texas native plants.

Material Treatment Method Collection References
Seed No Treatment Fall is the best time for planting milkweed seeds. The seeds won't germinate until spring because they require natural freezing and thawing to soften the seed coat so that the embryo plant can grow. This process stops seedlings from emerging in the fall and being killed by winter cold. You can plant the seeds from September 1 up until the soil freezes. Scatter the seeds and use your rake to gently work them into the soil. They will come up in spring when conditions are right for them to grow. https://dnr.illinois.gov/education/atoz/seedinstr.html#:~:text=Fall%20Planting%20%2D%20Fall%20is%20the%20best%20time%20for%20planting%20milkweed%20seeds.
Seed Stratification Spring planting takes a little more work because you will need to mimic the natural freezing and thawing cycle. At least six weeks before you are going to plant the seeds in spring, obtain two paper towels, wet them and then wring out excess water. Place one of the paper towels inside a one-gallon, zip-close plastic bag. Scatter the milkweed seeds over this paper towel. Cover the seeds with the second damp paper towel. Zip the plastic bag closed and place it flat in your refrigerator. Leave it undisturbed for at least six weeks. Scatter the seeds and use your rake to gently work them into the soil. When they come up, keep the soil moist until the plants are well established. Other sources recommend sowing milkweed seeds by scattering them on the soil surface 1/4-1/2 inch apart, and then cover with about 1/4 inch of additional soil. Water frequently after planting until plants become established. https://dnr.illinois.gov/education/atoz/seedinstr.html#:~:text=Fall%20Planting%20%2D%20Fall%20is%20the%20best%20time%20for%20planting%20milkweed%20seeds.

About the Region

2026 Fall Symposium Logo

This low-elevations region of Texas extends inland from the barrier islands, about 60 or so miles, and stretches from Brownsville to Louisiana. In total, it covers about 9.5 million acres, with a high point of 150 feet in elevation. More than 1000 species of plants can be found in this region. On the southern end, species more common in Mexico (such as Sabal mexicana) and Central America occur.

The barrier islands provide us with dune systems, and clay flats to the inland side, which have species found in these areas alone. Many plants here, such as Ipomoea pes-caprae (beach morning glory), can be found throughout tropical regions of the globe. I’ve encountered the same species on the beaches of Guam.

Once inland, vast marshes and wet prairies occur. Occasionally, oak (Quercus fusiformis) groves can be found. Common grasses include species of Bothriochloa, Paspalum, and Sporobolus; eastern gamagrass (Tripsacum dactyloides); and switchgrass (Panicum species). Many rivers and creeks cut through the Gulf Prairies, and along these riparian areas various species of trees, Sabal minor, and other plants adapted to clay soils can be found. Due to overgrazing, farming, and fire suppression, woody species such as mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa) and huisache (Acacia farnesiana), and invasive species such as chinaberry (Melia azedarach), Brazilian pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius), and Chinese tallow (Sapium sebiferum) have increased and displaced our native flora.

Source: Wildflowers of Texas by Michael Eason