Asclepias linaria (Pine-Needle Milkweed)
Pine-Needle Milkweed, Needle-Leaf Milkweed
Asclepias linaria (Pine-Needle Milkweed) is an upright subshrub with many erect or ascending stems bearing soft, finely textured, pine needle-like leaves, 1-2 in. long (2-5 cm), along their length. From winter to fall, small clusters of lightly fragrant, creamy-white flowers are borne at the stem tips. They are a great nectar source for butterflies, bees, and other pollinating insects. The blossoms give way to tear-shaped seed follicles that open to release their white plumed seeds. Native to the Southwestern U.S., this perennial wildflower is drought and heat-tolerant and makes an attractive desert landscape plant with its interesting shape and unusual flower clusters that attract butterflies and other insects.
Milkweed plants are critical to monarch butterflies' survival, whose population in North America has plummeted by 90% in the last 20 years. By planting milkweed in your own garden, you can help reverse the fortune of these beautiful insects!
- Grows up to 2-5 ft. tall (60-150 cm) and 2-3 ft. wide (60-90 cm).
- Thrives in full sun or part shade in well-drained soils. Water infrequently to occasionally. Drought tolerant once established.
- A vital ingredient of butterfly gardens, meadows, or prairies. Perfect for the sunny dry garden.
- No serious pest or disease issues.
- Propagate by seed.
- This plant is slightly poisonous and its sap is a skin irritant.
- Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.
- Native to California, Arizona, and New Mexico.
Milkweed: How To Grow and Care with Success
By providing the right growing conditions, you can enjoy healthy and vibrant milkweed in your garden while supporting pollinator populations.Read More
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Requirements
Hardiness | 9
– 11 |
---|---|
Plant Type | Perennials, Shrubs |
Plant Family | Asclepias |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early,Mid,Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall Winter |
Height | 2' – 5' (60cm – 150cm) |
Spread | 2' – 3' (60cm – 90cm) |
Spacing | 24" – 36" (60cm – 90cm) |
Water Needs | Low |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy |
Native Plants | United States, California, Southwest, Arizona, New Mexico |
Tolerance | Deer, Drought, Dry Soil |
Attracts | Bees, Butterflies |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |
Dick Culbert, Flickr
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
Requirements
Hardiness | 9
– 11 |
---|---|
Plant Type | Perennials, Shrubs |
Plant Family | Asclepias |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early,Mid,Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall Winter |
Height | 2' – 5' (60cm – 150cm) |
Spread | 2' – 3' (60cm – 90cm) |
Spacing | 24" – 36" (60cm – 90cm) |
Water Needs | Low |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy |
Native Plants | United States, California, Southwest, Arizona, New Mexico |
Tolerance | Deer, Drought, Dry Soil |
Attracts | Bees, Butterflies |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |