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Whitestem Milkweed

Asclepias albicans

true

1 gallon

Whitestem Milkweed

In stock

3-10'x4'

Sizes:

Whitestem Milkweed — Asclepias albicans

Also known as: Wax Milkweed, Tall Milkweed

Think of this as Desert Milkweed’s big, beefy cousin. Whitestem Milkweed is a tall, upright milkweed native to the Colorado Desert, Mojave Desert, and the western edge of the Sonoran Desert, where it grows in rocky soils along bajadas, canyons, and arid slopes. It typically grows 5 to 6 feet tall, but in especially favorable conditions it can tower to 10 feet or more, forming a striking vertical element in desert landscapes.

This species has thick, waxy, blue-gray stems with very few leaves—often none at all for most of the year. Compared to Asclepias subulata (Rush or Desert Milkweed), A. albicans is taller, stouter, and more architectural, with fewer, heavier stems that give it a commanding presence. It favors rocky or gravelly soils, rather than the finer, sandy washes preferred by A. subulata.

Flowering occurs any time outside of summer, usually in response to cool-season rains, with creamy white blooms clustered near the tops of the stems. Most of its growth happens in fall, winter, and spring, when desert conditions are cooler and moister. During the summer, this plant becomes dormant or semi-dormant and is especially sensitive to overwatering. In hot months, it should be allowed to fully dry out between irrigations to avoid rot or stress.

Whitestem Milkweed is a key larval host for Monarchs and Queens, and its flowers are visited by a variety of pollinators—including native bees, honeybees, butterflies, and even tarantula hawk wasps. Like other milkweeds, it plays an important role in desert butterfly gardens and wildlife corridors. For best results, plant in groups of three or more, and pair with seasonal nectar plants to support the full butterfly life cycle. It also works well alongside A. subulata for varied form and extended bloom.

Wildlife Value

Host Plant: Monarch (Danaus plexippus); Queen (Danaus gilippus)
Nectar Source: Monarch (Danaus plexippus); Queen (Danaus gilippus); Ceraunus Blue (Hemiargus ceraunus); Tarantula Hawk Wasp (Pepsis spp.); native bees; honeybee (Apis mellifera)
Bird Resources: Caterpillars; Insects; Seeds; Nectar
Bird Species: Anna’s Hummingbird (Calypte anna)
Bees: Honeybee (Apis mellifera); native bees including Diadasia and Anthophora species

Plant Care

Native region:

Local Native

Water needs:

Low

Exposure:

Full Sun

Mature size:

3-10'x4'

Growth rate:

Fast

Flower color:

Cream

Flower season:

Fall - Spring

Pruning:

None

Cold Hardiness:

20 Degrees

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.