Alphabetical Plant Listing

Asclepias subulata (Rush Milkweed)

Rush Milkweed, Desert Milkweed, Ajamete, Skeleton Milkweed


Adding vertical lines to the landscape, Asclepias subulata (Rush Milkweed) is an evergreen perennial forming a striking bouquet of ascending, gray-green, succulent stems. The stems bear small linear leaves, 2 in. long (5 cm), only after rain, and are naked the rest of the time. From mid-spring to winter, small clusters of creamy-white flowers with reflexed corollas are borne at the stem tips. Opening from creamy yellow buds, they are a great nectar source for butterflies, bees, and other pollinating insects. They are also a larval food source for the caterpillars of the monarch and queen butterfly species. The blossoms give way to narrow, smooth, glabrous pods 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. Rush Milkweed is the only evergreen milkweed native to the U.S.

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 2-4 ft. tall and wide (60-120 cm).
  • Thrives in full sun in sandy, well-drained soils. Water infrequently to occasionally. Drought tolerant once established. Shade tolerant under desert conditions.
  • A vital ingredient of butterfly gardens. Perfect for the sunny dry garden.
  • No serious pest or disease issues.
  • Propagate by seed or stem cuttings.
  • 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 Nevada, northern 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
Climate Zones 11, 12, 13
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Asclepias
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Mid,Late)
Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 2' – 4' (60cm – 120cm)
Spread 2' – 4' (60cm – 120cm)
Spacing 36" – 48" (90cm – 120cm)
Water Needs Low
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen
Native Plants United States, California, Southwest, Nevada, Arizona
Tolerance Drought, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil
Attracts Bees, Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds and Borders
Garden Styles Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden, Prairie and Meadow

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By Jared Quentin, Dominic Gentilcore PhD, Shutterstock

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
Climate Zones 11, 12, 13
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Asclepias
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Mid,Late)
Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 2' – 4' (60cm – 120cm)
Spread 2' – 4' (60cm – 120cm)
Spacing 36" – 48" (90cm – 120cm)
Water Needs Low
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen
Native Plants United States, California, Southwest, Nevada, Arizona
Tolerance Drought, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil
Attracts Bees, Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds and Borders
Garden Styles Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden, Prairie and Meadow

Great Plant Combination Ideas with Asclepias

Guides with Asclepias

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