Asclepias californica
California Milkweed
Description
A. californica is endemic to California but is most widespread in the southern part of the state. This is a drought tolerant species that does well in hot dry conditions. Like other drought tolerant milkweeds, the stems and leaves are covered with a thick covering of long hairs giving the plant a woolly appearance. This plant can be found growing on slopes in clay and sandy soils. If blossoming, the violet flowers contrast starkly with the woolly appearance of the foliage.
Sun
Full
Water
Low
Growth Rate
Moderate
Soil Type
Unparticular
Soil Condition
Average, Poor, Well-drained
Soil pH
Neutral, Basic
Adverse Factors
Poisonous
Water high water-use plants separately from low water-use plants.
Low water-use plants can grow with one-half the water needed by high water-use plants, and can be easily damaged from over watering.