Asclepias subulata 'Butterfly Magic' PP34305

Butterfly Magic Milkweed

full photo.jpg

1/5

Native to the arid landscapes of the Southwestern United States and Northern Mexico, Asclepias subulata, commonly known as Desert Milkweed or 'Butterfly Magic,' is a hardy perennial that excels in harsh, dry conditions. This resilient plant is particularly well-suited for xeriscaping and low-water landscapes, thriving in sandy, well-drained soils. Exclusively available through Civano Growers, 'Butterfly Magic' offers landscape architects a unique and versatile option for creating stunning and sustainable designs.

Architectural Form and Foliage:

'Butterfly Magic' is celebrated for its striking, upright form and slender, gray-green stems that provide a sculptural presence in the landscape. Unlike many other milkweed species, it has minimal foliage, with narrow, linear leaves that are shed as the plant matures, leaving its distinctive stems to take center stage. This unusual growth habit allows 'Butterfly Magic' to serve as a dramatic vertical accent in garden compositions, whether in modern, minimalist landscapes or more naturalistic settings.
Floral Display and Growth Speed:

This cultivar produces clusters of small, creamy-white to pale yellow flowers from spring through late summer. Though understated, these blossoms are highly attractive to pollinators, particularly butterflies and bees. Following the flowering period, slender seed pods form, releasing silky seeds that naturally disperse in the wind. 'Butterfly Magic' is a fast grower, making it an ideal choice for projects requiring rapid establishment and visual impact.

Light and Water Requirements:

Thriving in full sunlight, Asclepias subulata 'Butterfly Magic' requires at least six hours of direct light daily to achieve optimal growth. It is highly drought-tolerant once established, needing only minimal watering, which makes it a perfect fit for water-wise gardens. Its resilience in enduring long periods of drought without losing its ornamental appeal highlights its suitability for sustainable landscape designs that emphasize low maintenance and environmental responsibility.
Wildlife Support and Biodiversity:

A key player in supporting native pollinators, 'Butterfly Magic' is particularly important for Monarch butterflies, serving as a larval host plant. By incorporating this plant into their designs, landscape architects can significantly contribute to pollinator conservation efforts. 'Butterfly Magic' also attracts bees and other beneficial insects, enhancing local biodiversity and creating a vibrant, living landscape that benefits both the environment and the community.

Cultural Significance and Edibility:

Desert Milkweed has been traditionally used by indigenous peoples in its native regions, particularly for its fibrous stems, which were crafted into cordage and textiles. However, it's important to note that, like other milkweed species, Asclepias subulata contains toxic compounds and is not edible. While it doesn’t offer culinary uses, its cultural and historical significance provides an added layer of interest for landscape designs that aim to honor the heritage of the land.

Challenges and Considerations:

Although generally low-maintenance, 'Butterfly Magic' can become leggy if not provided with enough sunlight or if overwatered. When planning its placement, designers should consider its mature size and growth habit to ensure it has enough space to grow without overshadowing neighboring plants. Regular removal of spent flowers can help manage its spread, although it typically does not become invasive.

Integration into Landscape Designs:

With its distinctive form, rapid growth, and ecological benefits, Asclepias subulata 'Butterfly Magic' is an excellent addition to a wide range of landscape applications. Whether used as a focal point in desert-themed gardens, as part of a pollinator-friendly planting scheme, or as a vertical accent in rock gardens and borders, this exclusive Civano Originals plant enhances outdoor spaces with its unique aesthetic and environmental value.

Designing with 'Butterfly Magic':

Available exclusively through Civano Growers' Civano Originals product line, Asclepias subulata 'Butterfly Magic' provides landscape architects and designers with a dynamic plant option that blends visual interest with ecological function. Its adaptability, drought tolerance, and pollinator support make it an ideal candidate for creating landscapes that are not only beautiful but also sustainable. Whether you're looking to add striking vertical interest or to foster local wildlife, 'Butterfly Magic' offers an exceptional opportunity to enrich your outdoor designs.

FAMILY

Apocynaceae

MATURE HEIGHT

3 ft

GROWTH HABIT

Asclepias subulata 'Butterfly Magic' has an upright, shrubby, and clumping growth habit, with numerous gray-green, leafless stems growing vertically from a woody base.

WATER REQUIREMENT

Drought Tolerant

HARDY TO

22°F

NATIVE REGION

Sonoran Desert

TYPE

Perennial

SOIL TYPE

Well-drained. The soil type for Asclepias subulata 'Butterfly Magic' is well-draining, with a preference for sandy, gritty, or rocky soils low in organic material. As a desert native, this milkweed hybrid is adapted to poor, dry soil conditions and is intolerant of heavy, wet soils, which can cause root rot. The soil pH can range from mildly acidic to neutral to basic (alkaline). Fertilizing is unnecessary and can even harm the plant.

MAINTENACE TIPS

Asclepias subulata 'Butterfly Magic' thrives in full sun and well-drained, rocky, or sandy soil. As a drought-tolerant hybrid originating from the Sonoran Desert, it requires minimal watering once established, typically once per month during drier seasons. This evergreen perennial should not be fertilized and needs very little maintenance.

ELEVATION

to 3000 feet

4 ft

MATURE WIDTH

LEAF SHAPE

Asclepias subulata 'Butterfly Magic' is a cultivar of desert milkweed that is essentially leafless, consisting mostly of thick, upright gray-green stems. The plant's succulent, rush-like stems perform the bulk of the photosynthesis, as the small, opposite, and narrow linear leaves are ephemeral. Leaves only appear briefly on new growth or after rainfall and quickly drop off. This adaptation allows the plant to conserve water in its native desert environment, giving it a distinct, grass-like vertical appearance.

FLOWER COLOR

Cream White

FLOWER CHARACTERISTICS

The Asclepias 'Butterfly Magic' hybrid features flowers that are a creamy white to off-white color, which distinguishes it from the brighter orange or yellow blossoms of other milkweeds. The flowers are star-shaped and form attractive, showy clusters on top of the plant's thick, upright stems. These unique, pale-colored flowers bloom from spring into fall and are a food source for pollinators, particularly butterflies.

FRUIT/SEED

The fruit of the milkweed hybrid Asclepias subulata 'Butterfly Magic' is a follicle, a type of dry fruit that splits open along one seam at maturity. As with other Asclepias species, this pouch-like seed pod is narrow and tapers to a point at both ends. The fruit of the parental A. subulata species is described as smooth, directed downward, and measuring 2–4 inches long, changing from green to tan or brown as it ripens. When mature, the follicle splits open to reveal numerous flat, brown, oval seeds. Each seed is attached to a cluster of silky, white filament-like hairs known as the coma, which aids in wind dispersal.

SUN EXPOSURE

Full Sun

POLLINATORS

Asclepias subulata x albicans 'Butterfly Magic' is a milkweed cultivated to benefit pollinators and wildlife in desert climates. This drought-tolerant perennial is a vital host plant for monarch and queen butterfly caterpillars, which feed on its leaves and ingest the toxic cardenolides to make themselves poisonous to predators. Its cream-colored flowers also provide nectar for a wide range of desert insects, including native bees, butterflies, wasps, and hoverflies. While attracting these beneficial insects, the plant's toxicity also deters most grazing animals, though specialized insects like milkweed beetles have adapted to feed on it. The presence of this milkweed supports a stable desert ecosystem by providing food for herbivores, which in turn become prey for birds and other predators.

PRUNING TIPS

Prune back overgrown clumps to their base in winter to encourage new growth, while wearing gloves to avoid skin irritation from the milky sap. Avoid heavy pruning in warmer seasons, but you can remove spent blooms to prevent self-seeding. Also, always check for monarch eggs or caterpillars before pruning any milkweed.