Asclepias fascicularis - Narrow-leaf milkweed

Species Description (from Calscape): Narrowleaf milkweed (Asclepias fascicularis) is a flowering perennial best known for the Monarch butterflies it will attract into the garden. Its long, thin pointed leaves give the plant a soft, wispy look. It blooms in summer to fall, with clusters of lavender or pinkish white flowers, each one an interesting button shape. The fruits are smooth pods, which split open to spill seeds along with plentiful silky hairs that may carry the seeds through the air. This plant grows fast to 3 feet tall and is dormant in winter, often dying back to the ground. It will take full sun but is adaptable to most conditions, being easy to grow in soils with good drainage, even with no summer water. It can self-seed if the seed pods are not removed. This species is probably the single most important host plant for Monarch Butterflies in California, attracting them and hosting their caterpillars. It is crucial to not use any pesticide on or around the plant, because doing so will be fatal to the caterpillars. The plant also provides resources for many beneficial creatures, including native bees. Don't cut the dry stems down too soon as Orioles may use them for nesting (Calscape).

Grower: Heritage Growers

Amount of seed in packet: 5 grams

Other Names Used: 

Family: Aponcynaceae

Life Cycle: Perennial

Plant Type: Herb

Sun Exposure: Full

Bloom Period: Summer, Fall

Bloom Color(s): Pink, cream

Plant Height: 24-36 inches tall

Plant Width: 12 inches wide

California Regions:

• San Francisco Bay Area
• North Coast
• Central Valley
• Sierra Foothills
• Sierra Nevada
• Central California Coast
• Southern Coast
• Southern California Inland
• Desert

Ecological Benefits:

• Deer resistant, attracts pollinators, birds, wildlife

Ecological Functions:

• Grows in Containers
  

Habitat Type:

• Chaparral
• Coastal Grassland
• Valley Grassland
• Oak Woodland 
• Riparian

Skill Level: Beginner

Seed Pretreatment: None