Pine-Needle Milkweed, Needle-Leaf Milkweed
Asclepias linaria (Pine-Needle Milkweed) is an upright, finely textured subshrub native to the American Southwest. Its many erect to ascending stems are lined with soft, narrow leaves that resemble pine needles, typically 1-2 in. long (2-5 cm). From winter into fall, small clusters of lightly fragrant, creamy-white flowers appear near the stem tips, providing nectar for bees, butterflies, and other pollinating insects.
Its foliage is equally valuable. Pine-Needle Milkweed serves as a larval host for both Monarch and Queen butterflies, whose caterpillars feed on milkweed foliage. This combination of nectar for adults and leaves for developing larvae makes it especially useful in butterfly gardens designed to support the complete life cycle.
After flowering, the plant produces tear-shaped seed follicles that split open when mature, releasing seeds attached to silky white hairs. Exceptionally well adapted to hot, arid conditions, Pine-Needle Milkweed is both drought- and heat-tolerant and makes an excellent choice for desert gardens, xeriscapes, native plantings, and other dry landscapes. Its airy form, unusual foliage, and long flowering season give it strong ornamental as well as ecological value.
Milkweed plants belong to the Apocynaceae family, which also includes oleander, hoya, plumeria, and the desert rose.
| Hardiness |
9 - 11 |
|---|---|
| Plant Type | Perennials, Shrubs |
| Plant Family | Apocynaceae |
| Genus | Asclepias |
| Common names | Milkweed, Pine-Needle Milkweed |
| 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) |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Water Needs | Low |
| Soil Type | Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Showy |
| Native Plants | California, United States, Southwest, Arizona, New Mexico |
| Tolerances | Drought, Deer, Dry Soil, Heat |
| Attracts | Bees, Butterflies |
| Garden Uses | Beds And Borders |
| Garden Styles | Butterfly Garden, Informal and Cottage, Pollinator Garden, Prairie and Meadow |
| Toxic to Humans | Low severity |
| Toxic to Cats | Toxic |
| Toxic to Dogs | Toxic |
| Toxic to Horses | Toxic |
| Hardiness |
9 - 11 |
|---|---|
| Plant Type | Perennials, Shrubs |
| Plant Family | Apocynaceae |
| Genus | Asclepias |
| Common names | Milkweed, Pine-Needle Milkweed |
| 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) |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Water Needs | Low |
| Soil Type | Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Showy |
| Native Plants | California, United States, Southwest, Arizona, New Mexico |
| Tolerances | Drought, Deer, Dry Soil, Heat |
| Attracts | Bees, Butterflies |
| Garden Uses | Beds And Borders |
| Garden Styles | Butterfly Garden, Informal and Cottage, Pollinator Garden, Prairie and Meadow |
| Toxic to Humans | Low severity |
| Toxic to Cats | Toxic |
| Toxic to Dogs | Toxic |
| Toxic to Horses | Toxic |
How many Asclepias linaria (Pine-Needle Milkweed) do I need for my garden?
| Plant | Quantity | |
|---|---|---|
| Asclepias linaria (Pine-Needle Milkweed) | N/A | Buy Plants |
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