Narrowleaf Milkweed, Asclepius Fascicularis, is native to California. It is drought resistant once established. It dies off in the winter, which both reduces the parasite population and encourages monarch migration.
| Botanical Name | Asclepias fascicularis | Common Name | Narrowleaf or California Milkweed |
| Plant Type | Herbaceous perennial | Bloom Time | Summer, Fall |
| Mature Size | 1.7 – 3.3 ft tall, 1 ft wide | Flower Color | White, Lavender, Pink |
| Sun Exposure | Full sun | Hardiness Zones | Zone 9 (SF Bay Area) |
| Fertilizer | None Necessary | Planting Depth (Seeds) | 1” |
| Soil pH | 6.0 – 8.0 | Plant Spacing | 18” |
| Soil Type | Any well-drained soil; tolerates clay soil and poor, dry conditions | ||
| NOTE 1: | Can be toxic to children or pets if consumed in large amounts | ||
| NOTE 2: | Can be a bit invasive, plant where you can manage it or where it’s okay to spread | ||
| Water: | Needs water for only the first year or two until the tap root is established. | ||
| Native Area | Throughout California except on coast and deserts | ||
Special thanks to the folks at Mid City Nursery in American Canyon, CA for discounting Narrowleaf Milkweed plants for the Monarch Milkweed Project!
Sources: Calscape: https://calscape.org/Asclepias-fascicularis-()
The Spruce: https://www.thespruce.com/milkweed-plants-monarch-butterfly-host-2132954
