Narrowleaf Milkweed

This flowering perennial is the single most important host plant for Monarch Butterflies in California, attracting them and hosting their caterpillars. It has long, thin pointed leaves and blooms in summer through fall, with interesting clusters of lavender or pinkish white flowers. The fruits are smooth pods, which split open and the plentiful silky hairs are often caught by the wind. It grows fast up to 3 feet tall and often dies back to the ground in winter.

This plant will take full sun but is adaptable and easy to grow in soils with good drainage, even with no summer water. It can self-seed if the seed pods are not removed. It is imperative to not use any pesticide on or around the plant, because doing so will be fatal to the caterpillars. The plant also provides resources for many beneficial creatures, including native bees. Don’t cut the dry stems down too soon as Orioles may use them for nesting.