California Milkweed (Asclepias Californica) is a perennial herb in the Apocynaceae family with easy care difficulty. It requires drought-tolerant watering and full sun or partial shade light in USDA hardiness zones 8-10. This plant is toxic to cats and dogs — keep it out of reach of pets.

A perennial milkweed species native to California, known for its clustered pink to purple flowers and importance to monarch butterflies.

California Milkweed

California Milkweed

Asclepias Californica

A perennial milkweed species native to California, known for its clustered pink to purple flowers and importance to monarch butterflies.

Quick Facts

Type
herb
Lifecycle
perennial
Care Difficulty
Easy
Water Needs
drought-tolerant
Light
Full Sun, Partial Shade
Hardiness Zones
8-10

Safety

⚠️
Not Pet Safe
⚠️
Not Child Safe
☠️
Toxic

Growing Conditions

Soil Types:sandy, loamy, gravelly
Indoor:No
Outdoor:Yes
Garden Use:pollinator support, butterfly host plant, erosion control

Care Calendar

Monthly care tasks for California Milkweed

Jan
Prune
Feb
Fertilize
Mar
Repot
Apr
Water+
May
...
Jun
...
Jul
...
Aug
...
Sep
...
Oct
...
Nov
...
Dec
...

Expert Care Tips

Pro tips from botanists and plant experts

Watering Tip

Check soil moisture by inserting your finger 1 inch deep. Water only when the top layer feels dry to prevent overwatering.

Humidity Trick

Group plants together to create...

Growth Hack

Rotate your plant every...

Photo Gallery10+ photos

California Milkweed
California Milkweed detail

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Taxonomy

Family:Apocynaceae
Genus:Asclepias