Desert milkweed is the colloquial name for the milkweed species known scientifically as Asclepias erosa. Its natural habitats include the arid areas of southern California, northern Arizona, and northern Baja California, where it is found in the greatest abundance.
Which milkweed is best for monarchs in Southern California?
The native host plant for the Monarch butterfly in the inland regions of Southern California is the Narrow Leaf Milkweed, and the blooms of this plant also provide nectar. It is a perennial that may reach heights of three to four feet and can create colonies. It requires very little to moderate amounts of water and thrives in conditions ranging from full sun to partial shade.
Is milkweed a California native plant?
I am aware that it is now technically spring, and that everyone is rushing to plant some California native milkweed in an effort to save the imperiled Western monarch butterfly.Milkweed is the only food source for the monarch butterfly’s caterpillars, and it appears that non-native varieties are hastening the butterfly’s demise.I know this because everyone is pounding on the doors of nurseries in an effort to get some.
Is Narrowleaf milkweed native to California?
The California Narrow Leaf Milkweed, scientifically known as Asclepias fascicularis, is a western native species of the genus Asclepias that is cultivated for its long, showy narrow leaves and huge, white flowers. This type is suggested for usage in the Western United States since it is simple to cultivate in a large variety of soils.
Is milkweed invasive in California?
Showy milkweed can be almost invasive, sending out aggressive creeping roots that can easily crowd out other garden plants if you are fortunate enough to have naturally moist garden soil here in drought-stricken California. If you have naturally moist garden soil, showy milkweed will send out its roots.
When should I plant milkweed in California?
Instructions for Growing: Plant the seeds of the California Milkweed in the open air in late November.Choose a spot that gets enough of sun and, if necessary, work to improve the drainage in the soil.Plant seeds 1/8′ deep and 18″ apart, using 3 seeds each hole.You only need to water the plant once, and then you can let nature take care of supplying it with moisture through the winter and into the spring.
What milkweed is best for monarchs?
It is possible for female monarch butterflies to lay eggs on any of the nine different types of milkweed, but they do have preferences. The largest average number of eggs was found on swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) and common milkweed (A. syriaca).
Are Monarch butterflies native to California?
The United States is home to not one but two distinct populations of the monarch butterfly. The population that lives east of the Rocky Mountains travels further south, ultimately settling down in Mexico for the colder months. The population that lives west of the Rockies tends to move to the coastal areas of central and southern California.
What does native milkweed look like?
This hardy perennial is characterized by the wide, oval, bluish-green leaves and globular clusters of rose-colored flowers that it bears. The flowers bloom from May to September and are located at the very top of the stem as well as on stalks that emerge from the leaf axils.
Where is Narrowleaf milkweed native to?
Native to the region stretching from Southeast Washington and nearby Idaho to California and Oregon, down into Baja California, and on into Nevada in the west. Plants such as Zauschneria cana, Mimulus guttatus, and Thalictrum fendleri were found growing in close proximity to one another in a blue oak woods, in a seasonal seep, and amid stones.
Is Narrowleaf milkweed invasive?
It does not spread easily and is simple to cultivate and maintain once it is established. Milkweed must be grown in direct sunlight. Before it can become established, it will require some water.
Is Asclepias fascicularis good for monarch butterflies?
Caption: a plant with narrow leaves Milkweed, also known as Asclepias fascicularis, is a natural plant species that may be found growing on the slopes of the hills in our area. Monarch butterflies find milkweed to be a great foodplant.
Will milkweed come back every year?
- These natural milkweeds are perennials, which means that they will continue to grow even after several years have passed.
- Their bloom, leaves, and stem wither away, yet their rootstock continues to thrive throughout the colder months.
- Milkweed stalks should be cut down in late autumn or winter, after the plants have developed seed pods and the seeds within them have had sufficient time to ripen.
Is Silky Gold milkweed tropical?
This perennial, which attracts butterflies and is also known as Tropical Milkweed, has won the affection of many who grow plants for butterflies. bred to produce flowers with more intense coloration and somewhat bigger clusters of flowers than the species. Stunning flowers that bloom continuously throughout the season offer monarch butterflies a never-ending supply of food and color.
Will monarch caterpillars eat tropical milkweed?
The caterpillar stage of the Monarch butterfly feeds on Tropical Milkweed, just like it does on other types of milkweed. Queen caterpillars, which are native to the southern states and may be found in Florida, southern coastal regions, Texas, and the southwest, feed on Tropical Milkweed when they are hungry.