This plant occurs in dry washes and on rocky slopes below 3,000 feet in the far Southwest. It has an erect, vertical form, with a dense cluster of gray-green herbaceous stems. It is virtually leafless, as short- lived leaves appear on new growth but drop quickly. Terminal clusters of pale yellow flowers appear intermittently from spring until fall. The unusual flowers are followed by pairs of ornamental, horn-shaped seed pods. This clean plant is ideal for use around swimming pools. Desert milkweed thrives in full sun and reflected heat, and requires good drainage.
Asclepias subulata (Desert Milkweed)
Asclepias subulata
Rush Milkweed, Desert Milkweed, Ajamete, Skeleton Milkweed
This plant occurs in dry washes and on rocky slopes below 3,000 feet in the far Southwest. It has an erect, vertical form, with a dense cluster of gray-green herbaceous stems. It is virtually leafless, as short- lived leaves appear on new growth but drop quickly. Terminal clusters of pale yellow flowers appear intermittently from spring until fall. The unusual flowers are followed by pairs of ornamental, horn-shaped seed pods. This clean plant is ideal for use around swimming pools. Desert milkweed thrives in full sun and reflected heat, and requires good drainage.
| Plant Type | Native, Perennial |
| Exposure | Full Sun |
| Water Needs | Low |
| Hardiness Zone | Zone 9 (20° F) |
| Flower Color | Yellow |
| Flower Season | Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter |
| Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Height | 2' - 4' (ft) |
| Spread | 2' - 4' (ft) |
| Spacing | 36" - 48" (in) |
| Characteristics | Evergreen, Showy |
| Attracts | Bees, Butterflies, Pollinators |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Garden Uses | Beds and Borders |
| Tolerance | Drought, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil |
| Soil Type | Loam, Sand |
| Soil PH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Image by: MSWN
Image by: MSWN
Image by: MSWN
This catalog is for reference purposes. Plants may not be available at all times in the nursery. Please check with our store for current availability.
