Narrowleaf Milkweed

Asclepias fascicularis

Apocynaceae

• Keystone Plant
• Spokane Native
• USDA Zone 7-10
• Sun
• Size: 3' x 2'
• Drought Tolerant: yes (very)
• Evergreen: no
• Flower Color: lavender/green, pinkish/white (June - September)
• Wildlife value: bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies.  Critical to Monarch survival.
  

Perennial herb sending up many thin, erect stems from spreading rhizomes. Extremely adaptable to various soil types including clay, loam, sand, and even poor, rocky soils. Thrives in full sun with well-drained conditions. One of the easiest and fastest milkweeds to establish.

Attractive clusters 4-5 inches across of intricate lavender, pale pink, purple, white, to greenish shades of starry flowers bloom from early summer through fall. Five reflexed lobes extend down away from each blossom, creating a distinctive appearance. Distinctive long, narrow, pointed leaves are often whorled about the stem, giving the plant its common name. Blooms give way to smooth seed pods that split open to reveal seeds with long, silvery-white, silky hairs—spectacular in dried flower arrangements. Goes dormant in fall, triggering Monarch migration.

Designated as a keystone native plant—cornerstone of Monarch butterfly breeding habitat across the Inland West. The only food source for Monarch and Striated Queen caterpillars. Critical to Monarch survival as their population has plummeted 90% in 20 years. Provides nectar for bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinating insects. Spreads by rhizome to form small colonies. Deer resistant once established.

This can be used in butterfly gardens, pollinator gardens, prairies, naturalized areas, cottage gardens, or wildlife habitat plantings. Give plenty of space to spread. Plant it and Monarchs will find it! Low maintenance and generally pest-free. Dead stems provide nesting material for orioles.

Note: Can spread, so plant where expansion is desired. All parts contain milky sap and can be toxic to livestock in large quantities if that is their only food source. Poisonous to humans—avoid skin contact with sap. The alkaloids protect butterflies from predators.