Narrow Leaf Milkweed (Asclepias fascicularis) is a wispy-looking flowering perennial that is best known for attracting Monarch butterflies to the garden. Clusters of lavender to pinkish white flowers bloom summer to fall in a unique button shape.
After flowering, the fruits it produces are smooth pods. These pods split open to scatter new seeds in the wind, with plentiful silky hairs.
Narrow Leaf Milkweed grows quickly to 3 feet tall. It is dormant in winter, usually dying back to the ground. It usually does best in full sun and soils with good drainage, but it is adaptable to most conditions and drought tolerant. It can self-seed for the following year if the seed pods are not removed.
Experts describe Narrow Leaf Milkweed the single most important host plant for Monarch Butterflies in California. It attracts Monarchs and hosts their eggs and caterpillars, who will eat the leaves (so don't worry if you see it being eaten—it's doing it's job!).
While we never recommend using pesticide products, it is especially crucial to avoid any pesticide on or around the plant, where it will be fatal to the caterpillars.
In addition to Monarchs, Narrow Leaf Milkweed also provides resources for many beneficial creatures, including native bees. Once the plant has gone dormant, leave dry stems for Orioles, who may use them for nesting.
Note: We do not recommend planting Narrow Leaf Milkweed within 5 miles of the coast, as it can unintentionally influence Monarchs to fly toward the ocean.
Asclepias fascicularis - Narrow Leaf Milkweed
Optimal Growth Conditions
- Mature Height: 2 - 3 feet tall
- Mature Width: 1 foot wide
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Low, Very Low
- Soil Drainage: Fast, Medium, Slow
Geographic Appropriateness
- USDA Zone: Zones 6 - 10
- Sunset Zone: Zones 3, 7-10, 14-24
- Native Sites: Found in many settings including valleys, foothills, canyons, mountains, often dry areas, and occasionally in wetlands
Additional Landscaping Information
- Characteristics: California Native, Flowering, Drought Tolerant, Winter Deciduous
- Special Uses: Containers, Deer resistant, Pollinator gardens