Nailhead, Gomphocarpus physocarpa
Other Common Name(s):
Previously known as:
- Asclepias physocarpa
- Phonetic Spelling
- gom-fo-KAR-pus fy-so-KAR-puh
- Description
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Ballon Plant is a shrubby herbaceous perennial that is native to South Africa in the milkweed family. It is a perennial in zones 8-10 but can be grown as an annual elsewhere. The white flowers are not particularly showy and occur in drooping clusters. They are only pollinated by vespid wasps and hornets. The follicles are the most ornamental feature. They are soft inflated round yellowish-green seed pods that mature to release seeds with silky tufts in fall.
Plant in moderately moist well-drained sandy soil in full sun. Drought and heat tolerant. Use in the back of the annual garden or in containers. The stems and follicles are often used in floral arrangements.
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Gomphocarpus
- Species:
- physocarpa
- Family:
- Apocynaceae
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- Southern Africa
- Wildlife Value:
- Host plant for Danaus butterflies, including the monarch butterfly. Flowers attract butterflies.
- Dimensions:
- Height: 4 ft. 0 in. - 6 ft. 0 in.
- Width: 2 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit/Form:
- Vase
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Cultural Conditions:
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 8b, 8a, 9b, 9a, 10b, 10a
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Fruit:
- Fruit Color:
- Gold/Yellow
- Green
- Fruit Value To Gardener:
- Showy
- Fruit Type:
- Follicle
- Fruit Description:
- Round greenish-yellow follicle up to 3 inches across covered with hair-like spines. Matures to tan and releases seeds with silky tufts.
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Pink
- White
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Insignificant
- Flower Description:
- Pendulous clusters of small, waxy white with pink flowers with a faint vanilla scent are borne in leaf axils primarily in summer. Each flower is about ½ inch across, with five strongly reflexed petals.
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Leaves:
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Length:
- 3-6 inches
- Leaf Width:
- < 1 inch
- Leaf Description:
- The leaves are light green, linear to lanceolate and 3 to 4 inches long and .4 inch wide.
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
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Landscape:
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Deer
- Drought
- Problems:
- Problem for Cats
- Problem for Dogs
- Problem for Horses
