Balloon Cotton Bush (Asclepias physocarpa): Milkweed with Hairy Pods

Balloon cotton bush (Gomphocarpus physocarpus, syn. Asclepias physocarpa) is a milkweed relative with inflated, hairy green seed pods. Also called “hairy balls” or “family jewels bush.” It’s an annual in Georgia, self-seeding readily.

Features

• Host for monarch caterpillars.
• Full sun, average soil.
• Pods dry to tan, split to release silky seeds.
• Can be weedy; deadhead to control spread.

Fun for kids and pollinators alike.

Inflated hairy seed pods of balloon cotton bush.

Small white flowers attract pollinators.

Full plant in garden setting.