milkweed succulent Desert Milkweed

milkweed succulent Desert MilkweedAsclepias subulata Desert Milkweed, often called Rush Milkweed or Cane Milkweed, is a beautiful evergreen perennial that brings life to your garden. This plant showcases striking vertical gray green succulent stems adorned with small linear leaves that delightfully sprout only after rain, keeping the plant looking neat and tidy. From mid spring to winter, you can enjoy small clusters of lovely white flowers that unfold from creamy yellow buds,

Asclepias subulata

Desert Milkweed, often called Rush Milkweed or Cane Milkweed, is a beautiful evergreen perennial that brings life to your garden. This plant showcases striking vertical gray-green succulent stems adorned with small linear leaves that delightfully sprout only after rain, keeping the plant looking neat and tidy. From mid-spring to winter, you can enjoy small clusters of lovely white flowers that unfold from creamy yellow buds, offering sweet nectar to butterflies, bees, and all sorts of pollinators. Plus, it's an essential food source for the caterpillars of the monarch and queen butterflies.

Native to the southwestern U.S., this hardy perennial is resilient and can handle both drought and heat once it's settled in. Remarkably, it’s the only evergreen milkweed native to the U.S. and flourishes in full sun, especially in sandy, well-drained soils. You'll be happy to know it rarely has serious pest or disease problems, making it an excellent choice for your garden.

However, while Desert Milkweed supports our fluttering friends, it is slightly poisonous. Be mindful that its sap can irritate the skin, and it may be toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Nevertheless, this plant plays a vital role in creating a butterfly haven in your backyard.

BONAP MAP

Height: 2'-4'
Spread: 2'-4'
Bloom: April-December
Light: Full Sun
Water: Low
Zone: 9-11
Origin: Southwestern U.S., Northern Mexico