This perennial is decumbent to ascending with densely pubescent stems that form a low bushy habit. It has grey green leathery pubescent oval leaves and the dark purplish star-shaped flowers appear in a pendant cluster from spring to summer.

Hardiness zones 7 to 10

Asclepias californicais naturally found in North America growing from southern California to Baja California in mixed evergreen forests, juniper woodlands, grassy hillsides and in yellow pine forests from sea level to an altitude of 2500m (7500 ft)appearing in some high desert areas.

It prefers an open to exposed sunny position and grows in very well-drained sandy stony clay soils with a pH of 6-7.8 and is drought and frost tolerant.

California Milkweed is grown for its flowers and its drought tolerance. This planted in small or native gardens as a specimen or used in woodland settings. It is suitable for coastal or low-mountain regions establishing in 2-3 years and is moderately long-lived. This perennial can also be planted in arid gardens as a specimen for attracting butterflies or used along herbaceous borders. ID 3633

Asclepias (as-KLEE-pee-us) californica (KAH-lee-FOR-nee-kah)

Asclepiadaceae (ass-kle-pee-ad-AY-see-ee)