by Debra Sorenson
At our Chapter Meeting on September 10th , Tim Siegmund, TPWD Biologist
provided information about collecting milkweed seeds for a project that he is working on.
This project will continue until December 2027.
Since that date, I have been collecting Zizotes milkweed seeds in one of our
pastures. We have between 30-40 plants in a 60-acre pasture. AND THE COWS DO
NOT EAT THEM! It takes about 45 minutes to an hour every 2-3 days to collect the
seeds before they blow away. Some days, I collect 3-4 pods that are just beginning to
open (jump for joy!) and some have already opened and I pick up the seeds/parachutes
in about a 3-foot area around the plant. That “parachute “that I call it is scientifically
known as coma or floss – that consists of lightweight, silky filaments attached to each
milkweed seed to help them catch the wind and travel. One day, the milkweed gods told
them to open, and I collect 10-12 opening pods YAY!
Here’s a picture of a plant with multiple pods that will open in a few days.
This is my seed collecting area. All the paper bags are full of seed that will be
separated from the “parachutes” or collected pods. This is not to be completed in the
house as the parachutes float everywhere!
Here is a sample of what was collected on November 1st – a few of the seed pods and
lots of loose seeds. And a picture where I was a little late in collecting but at least, they
had not flown away.
This is the stash of seeds collected and separated from their “parachutes” and/or seed
pods.
As of this posting, many of the plants are no longer producing seeds. Some still have 5-
6 seed pods on them that will open within a week or so. We will continue to make the
milkweed rounds every few days. Happy Milkweed Seed hunting!
