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Asclepias linaria (Pine-Needle Milkweed)

Pine-Needle Milkweed, Needle-Leaf Milkweed

Asclepias linaria, Pine-Needle Milkweed, Needle-Leaf Milkweed, White Asclepias, Tall Asclepias,

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 bees, butterflies, 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. It 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.

Grow Milkweed, Save Monarch Butterflies: A Step-by-Step Guide


By providing the right growing conditions, you can enjoy healthy and vibrant milkweed in your garden while supporting pollinator populations.

Requirements

Hardiness 9 - 11
Plant Type Perennials, Shrubs
Plant Family Apocynaceae
Genus Asclepias
Common names Pine-Needle Milkweed, 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 United States, Southwest, California, Arizona, New Mexico
Tolerance Drought, Deer, Dry Soil
Attracts Bees, Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds And Borders
Garden Styles Prairie and Meadow, Informal and Cottage
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Asclepias eriocarpa (Woollypod Milkweed)
Asclepias subulata (Rush Milkweed)
Asclepias perennis (Aquatic Milkweed)
Asclepias cordifolia (Heartleaf Milkweed)
Asclepias quadrifolia (Fourleaf Milkweed)
Asclepias purpurascens (Purple Milkweed)

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Asclepias (Milkweed)
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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.
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Requirements

Hardiness 9 - 11
Plant Type Perennials, Shrubs
Plant Family Apocynaceae
Genus Asclepias
Common names Pine-Needle Milkweed, 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 United States, Southwest, California, Arizona, New Mexico
Tolerance Drought, Deer, Dry Soil
Attracts Bees, Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds And Borders
Garden Styles Prairie and Meadow, Informal and Cottage
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Asclepias (Milkweed)
Not sure which Asclepias (Milkweed) to pick?
Compare Now

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    Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.

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