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California Milkweed (Asclepias californica) is a striking native perennial endemic to California's inland foothills, chaparral, and desert slopes. Dense, silvery-woolly leaves and stems give it a distinctly soft, sculptural look, while clusters of deep rose-purple to maroon flowers make it one of the most visually dramatic milkweeds in the West. An irreplaceable monarch butterfly host plant and a standout in dry native gardens.
Growing: Sow in fall for natural cold stratification, or cold-stratify seeds for 30 days before spring sowing. Plant in full sun and extremely well-drained, dry soil. This is one of the most drought-adapted milkweeds in California — established plants require little to no summer water and perform best with a lean, dry summer dormancy.
Wildlife: A critical larval host plant for monarch butterflies in Southern California. Flowers attract native bees, wasps, and butterflies throughout the bloom season.