Spores (?) on potted swamp milkweed - Ask Extension
I have small, yellow, "spore" like growth at the top of my potted swamp milkweed. They seem to slowly move. I've attached a photo. What i...
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Spores (?) on potted swamp milkweed #876861
Asked July 11, 2024, 4:13 PM EDT
I have small, yellow, "spore" like growth at the top of my potted swamp milkweed. They seem to slowly move. I've attached a photo. What is this? I've now moved this away from other plants until I hear from you. Thank you.
Hennepin County Minnesota
Expert Response
Your swamp milkweed has aphids. Usually, there are other predators that keep aphids under control, but the aphids on milkweed often sequester the cardenolide toxins from the milkweed which are poisonous to the predators.
It is good top keep this sequestered from your other plants. You can brush them off and crush them. Wear gloves as it will get sticky. We don’t recommend any insecticides.
https://extension.sdstate.edu/are-aphids-milkweed-really-bad-thing
