Narrowleaf Milkweed (Asclepias fascicularis) is the host plant for the Monarch and Queen Butterflies. This species is a perennial that can tolerate many types of soil. It blooms in clusters of lavender, pale pink, purple, and white, to greenish shades of flowers. Narrow-leaved Milkweed has narrow leaves, hence the name, and a wide native range. It is a perennial with a 3′ tall stem and large (but narrow) five-inch leaves, and a five-inch or so flower cluster. It tends to go dormant in the winter and regenerate the next year. It is a ‘must-have’ for butterfly gardens. The alkaloids associated with this plant give the butterfly larvae that feed on it protection but if the butterfly has not evolved with the milkweed they have no tolerance for the particular alkaloid of the species. In general, it is a larval food plant for the Monarch butterfly. In our area, this plant is covered with monarch caterpillars during the summer. Asclepias fascicularis can tolerate coastal clays.
Narrowleaf Milkweed is known and has been highlighted by the Xerces Society as a “roadside milkweed”. It can be found throughout most of California. It would work with many of our seeds including CA Poppy, Deerweed, and Black Sage. It was seen in August in the Anza Borrego Desert growing wild, it is very drought tolerant and does well planted with ceanothus, lavender, and lilacs.
This plant can be purchased as a preorder through our partner Moosa Creek in multiple sizes. Need something else? We can get you the live plants you need. Visit Moosa Creek online and view their selection of plants. Then, let us know what you’d like to order!
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