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What Is This Spiky Pod

Spiky Flower Pod

Spiky Flower Pod

Ask the Expert: Found this plant and trying to find out more
Hello!  I am trying to find out more about this plant I found.  It has these green round balls with small spikey things on them, but they are filled with air.  Do you know anything like that?  One of my friends thinks she has seen them dried before.  She thought it was called an Oscar – but I keep doing online searches and can’t come up with anything! THANKS!
Michelle

Plant Expert Reply

It appears to be a Gomphocarpus physocarpus or Asclepias physocarpus.  You friend was partially correct. There is a Asclepias physocarpus called Oscar. It is commonly called Ballon plant or Swan plant and is in the milkweed family.  Catepillars love this plant.  Although I don’t think it is native any where in the U.S. (it is a southeast Africa native), there are many seed supplier who sell this plant.  It can become invasive if not controlled.

Mystery Pod Stumped The Expert – Till Now

Ask the Expert: some type of pod plant
i have 2 of these pod type plants with 3 “blooms” total in my front yard but i have no idea what they are or how they got there, any idea of what it is?  It was closed for the longest time but today it opened up, coincidentally this is our first cold day of the year but i dont know if that has anything to do with the timing.  I have never seen it before in any garden in the area and my place seems to be a haven for anything that can bloom.  Kari

See Attached Photos

Possible Milkweed Pod

Possible Milkweed Pod

Possible Asclepias Pod

Possible Asclepias Pod

What are the Prickly Pods in My Flower Arrangement?

Ask the Expert: Identify plant with prickly seed pods?
Thanks.  Bob

See Attached Photo

Green Lanterns Asclepia Pods

Green Lanterns Asclepia Pods