Asclepias cordifolia
“Heart Leaf Milkweed”

photos: Dee E. Warenycia

Gorgeous, large, loose umbels bear rich, shiny violet–purple petals sexily contrasted by creamy-white “horns”. How pretty! Plus it has rich purple stems, purple spherical buds & fabulous, large, bluish waxy leaves. To 2’ tall & 3’ across- it blooms in late Spring thru Summer & of course, is highly important as a food source & larval host (queen larval too!) to our beloved western Monarch butterflies. Native to much of California , Nevada, & Oregon (including the shore line of Martinez – for you locals), long-lived & carefree “Heartleaf Milkweed” is highly drought tolerant & needs no Summer water once established. It’ll go deciduous sometime after bloom but reliably reappears each Spring. Excellent for out-of–hose- reach areas, parking strips, CA Native or dry gardens. It's not fussy about soil but does appreciate good drainage.

NOTE: If you are planning to introduce Monarch caterpillars to this plant, we recommend letting it establish for one season before doing so.
The plant - and the caterpillars will thank you!

Annie