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Narrowleaf Milkweed
Asclepias fascicularis
In stock
1 gallon
Plant Care
Native region:
Mojave Desert; California Native
Water needs:
Moderate
Exposure:
Mature size:
Growth rate:
Filtered Sun
3x1
Fast
Flower color:
Flower season:
Pruning:
Lavender; Pink; White
Summer; Fall
None
Wildlife
Monarchs:
Yes
Nectar pollinators:
Yes
Nighttime pollinators:
No
Rabbit resistant:
Yes
This milkweed is native to the higher elevations of the Mojave desert and our local mountains. I am growing it for the first time, so I do not know as much about its growing needs yet. But we can assume that because it grows at higher elevations it will be more sensitive to our summer heat requiring some filtering of the sun. And because milkweeds are riparian plants, I will have mine on a more moderate water schedule instead of the very low I normally have milkweed on at least until it is established.
According to Calscape, Narrowleaf Milkweed is winter dormant, often dying back to the ground. Because of this, I would only use it like we do Asclepias erosa, in combination with our local native milkweed Asclepias subulata - Rush Milkweed. Our monarch season begins in mid-September continuing through spring which is why it's important to have our local native available. If it behaves similarly to Asclepias erosa, then it will die back around December or January and start coming back again in late February. Within a month it will be fully grown.
Narrowleaf Milkweed has long slender pointed leaves with traditional milkweed flower clusters that range from pink to lavender. It grows rapidly to 3 feet tall. Plant in combination with other nectar and pollinator plants like Globe Mallow, Buckwheat, Desert Marigold, Penstemons, and Salvias.
Another interesting note from Calscape is that Orioles use the dried stems for nesting! So be sure to not cut those back and allow them to dry naturally.
Growing Plants in the Desert — Important Information
The information presented here is, to the best of my knowledge, accurate and based on my research from reliable sources, observations I have made of plants growing in my, and other gardens I have visited, and observations of the plants in their native habitats. I would appreciate your feedback and experience to help me educate others!
Cacti: In my experience, cacti are much happier in the filtered shade here in the low desert of the Coachella Valley. Colors are more vibrant and they bloom more profusely, especially the non-native varieties. If you pay attention to how our native barrel and beavertail opuntia grow in the wild, it is frequently tucked in the rocks under creosote or another shrub.
Light Requirements: I have found that in our desert (Sonoran/Colorado) “full sun” plants can take and appreciate the late afternoon filtered sun, especially in the hot summer months.