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Desert Milkweed
Asclepias subulata
Mature Height*:
2-3 ft
Mature Width*:
2-4 ft
USDA Hardiness Zone Range:
9 to 11
Hardy to:
20°F
Water Requirements:
Drought Tolerant
Shade Requirements:
Full Sun
Native to:
Sonoran Desert, eastern California, northern Nevada into Baja California
This unique perennial is a member of the milkweed family, essential hosts to Monarch and Queen butterflies. Its erect stems grow up to 2-3 ft tall and are generally leafless except for small, non-descript leaves on new growth. In spring, summer, and fall the gray-blue stems are topped by fleshy cream-colored flowers that act as butterfly magnets. These drought and cold (to 20°F) tolerant plants add architectural interest with little to no maintenance.
*Height and width estimated for growth in the Tucson, AZ area. True sizes may vary.
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