The Mobile Milkweed Herbarium (2026) contains plant stalks, fibre, thread and cloth drawn from three species of milkweed common to western Canada: Swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata), Showy milkweed (Asclepias speciosa) and Common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca). All plants were collected in Mohkinstsis (Calgary), Alberta. This sample collection of part of a larger research project aimed at producing thread suitable for weaving milkweed damask cloth.
Samples are contained in four hand-made stackable trays. When stacked/closed work measures 8.5 cm x 20 cm x 37.5 cm. Individual trays are 2 cm x 20 cm x 37.5 cm.
Box Contents
One - Asclepias incarnata (Swamp milkweed)
1. Plant stalk sections
2. Long fibre, combed
3. Spliced thread, plied
4. Handspun threads, singles and two-ply
5. Cloth: five-point damask
Two - Asclepias speciosa (Showy milkweed)
1. Plant stalk sections
2. Long fibre, combed
3. Spliced thread, plied
4. Handspun threads, singles and two-ply
5. Cloth: plain weave
Three - Asclepias syriaca (Common milkweed)
1. Plant stalk sections
2. Long fibre, combed
3. Spliced thread, plied
4. Handspun threads, singles and two-ply
5. Cloth: twill
Four – Combined tow fibre and threads
1. Medium tow, combed
2. Short tow, carded
3. Cordage
4. Handspun thread, singles