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Narrowleaf Milkweed

Asclepias fascicularis

true

1 gallon

Narrowleaf Milkweed

In stock

3x1

Sizes:

Narrowleaf Milkweed – Asclepias fascicularis
Also known as: Mexican Whorled Milkweed

Narrowleaf Milkweed is native to higher elevations of the Mojave Desert, California foothills, and mountainous regions, typically growing along seasonal streambeds, roadsides, and in open woodlands. In the low desert, it should be considered a cool-season plant due to its sensitivity to extreme heat and preference for some filtered sunlight. In cultivation, filtered sun and moderate summer watering are advised—especially during establishment. This species thrives in coarse to fine soils with good drainage and typically grows 2 to 4 feet tall.

This upright, herbaceous perennial features narrow, whorled leaves and produces clusters of pink to pale lavender flowers from late spring through fall, attracting a wide range of pollinators. As with many other milkweeds, it enters winter dormancy, often dying back to the ground before regrowing vigorously in spring. In the Coachella Valley and other low desert regions, it behaves similarly to Asclepias erosa, often going dormant by December and re-emerging by late February.

Narrowleaf Milkweed works best when planted in combination with Asclepias subulata (Rush Milkweed), the low desert’s evergreen native, to ensure continuous monarch habitat through winter. When used alongside native nectar plants like Desert Marigold, Globe Mallow, Penstemons, Salvias, and Buckwheats, it forms part of a resilient pollinator garden.

An added bonus: the dried stems of this species are used by orioles for nesting material. Allow plants to dry naturally in fall rather than pruning early.

Wildlife Value
Host Plant: Monarch (Danaus plexippus); Queen (Danaus gilippus)
Nectar Source: Monarch (Danaus plexippus); Queen (Danaus gilippus); Ceraunus Blue (Hemiargus ceraunus); Western Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio rutulus); Tarantula Hawk Wasp (Pepsis spp.)
Bird Resources: Caterpillars; Insects; Seeds; Nectar; Nesting Material
Bird Species: Hooded Oriole (Icterus cucullatus); Hummingbirds (confirmed nectar visitors)
Bees: Honeybees (Apis mellifera); Native solitary bees including sweat bees (Halictidae) and longhorn bees (Melissodes spp.)

Plant Care

Native region:

Mojave Desert; California Native

Water needs:

Moderate

Exposure:

Filtered Sun

Mature size:

3x1

Growth rate:

Fast

Flower color:

Lavender; Pink; White

Flower season:

Summer; Fall

Pruning:

None

Cold Hardiness:

0 degrees but goes dormant in the winter

Nectar-producing:

Yes

Attracts pollinators:

Yes

Nighttime pollinators:

Butterflies or Moths:

Yes

Monarchs:

Yes

Larval host:

Yes

Bees:

Yes

Bats:

Birds:

Yes

Nest site:

Nest materials:

Yes

Rabbit-resistant:

Yes

Tortoises:

Growing Plants in the Desert — Important Information

The information presented here is, to the best of my knowledge, accurate and based on reliable research, personal experience in my own garden, observations from other gardens I’ve visited, and time spent studying plants in their native habitats. I always welcome your feedback and experiences to help me continue educating others!

Cacti:
In my experience, cacti are much happier in filtered shade here in the low desert of the Coachella Valley. Their colors are more vibrant and they tend to bloom more profusely, especially the non-native varieties. If you look closely at how our native barrel cactus and beavertail prickly pear grow in the wild, you’ll often find them tucked among rocks or beneath the shelter of creosote and other shrubs.

⚠️ A note of caution: Cacti and succulents are often illegally collected from the wild, which not only damages plant populations but also disturbs entire ecosystems. In some cases, wild populations of cacti have even gone extinct because of this practice. When purchasing these plants, always be sure they’ve been legally obtained. Look for nursery-grown stock or plants with a native plant certification, and keep that documentation for your records.

Light Requirements:
In our desert (Sonoran/Colorado), “full sun” doesn’t always mean what you might think. Many so-called full-sun plants benefit from and actually appreciate some late-afternoon filtered light—especially during the intense summer months.