Photo of Asclepias californica flower, foliage by Joe Decruyenaere

Photo by Joe Decruyenaere

This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic license.

Show all photos

Asclepias californica

Also Known As

  • California Milkweed

Plant type

perennial

size

  • H: 4'
  • W: 3'

planting zones

  • 7a-10b

More Options

Asclepias californica plant details

Asclepias californica is a broadleaf deciduous perennial with green foliage. In summer pink flowers emerge. Features fuzzy texture. Attracts bees, beneficial insects, butterflies and hummingbirds making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun and occasional - low water. Does well in well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Asclepias californica

Plant type: perennial
Plant family: apocynaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 3 FT wide, 4 FT tall
Flowers: pink blooms in summer
Uses: cottage garden, rock garden, unique

GROWING CONDITIONS for Asclepias californica

USDA Zones: 7a - 10b
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: occasional - low
Resistant to: deer, heat
Soil needs: well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

A unique milkweed native to California, with pink blooms and large, fuzzy, pale green leaves. This plant is drought and heat tolerant, thrives in sunshine, and attracts butterflies.

Gardening facts about Asclepias californica plant

How to Grow Asclepias californica

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun
  • Water Needs

    • occasional - low
  • Soil Needs

    • well-drained
  • Special Situation

    • heat tolerant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • pink
  • Wildlife

    • beneficial insects
    • bees
    • butterflies
    • hummingbirds
    • deer resistant
  • Flower Season

    • summer
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous
  • Texture

    • fuzzy

See other plant types of Asclepias for your garden

aka Antelope Horns, Spider Milkweed

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

7a-9b

Size

Height: 1'-2'

Width: 2'-3'

  • sun
  • regular - drought tolerant
Photo of Asclepias asperula flower by Lunch
View Plant

aka Blood Flower, Mexican Milkweed

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

8b-11

Size

Height: 3'-4'

Width: 2'-4'

  • sun - mostly sun
  • regular - drought tolerant
Photo of Asclepias curassavica flower by Far Out Flora
View Plant

More Options

aka Desert Milkweed

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

4a-10b

Size

Height: 18"-36"

Width: 18"-24"

  • sun
  • occasional - drought tolerant
  • dry in summer
Photo of Asclepias erosa flower by Stan Shebs
View Plant

aka Desert Milkweed, Rush Milkweed

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

9a-11

Size

Height: 3'-4'

Width: 3'-4'

  • sun
  • occasional - drought tolerant
  • dry in summer
Photo of Asclepias subulata flower by Stan Shebs
View Plant

More Options

aka Mexican Butterfly Weed, Scarlet Milkweed

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

8a-12

Size

Height: 2'-4'

Width: 2'-4'

  • sun - mostly sun
  • regular - drought tolerant
Photo of Asclepias curassavica 'Silky Gold' flower by Stan Shebs
View Plant

More Options

+40 more Asclepias
Mailing List
Sign Up for updates on new plant arrivals and deals

© 2010—2026 Plant Lust, LLC All Rights Reserved