Asclepias albicans
Also known as Wax milkweed, this native grows in some of the hottest places in our region and can grow to 10′ tall.
Arizona is host to about 30 species of milkweeds (Asclepias) ranging from low desert to riparian corridors to grasslands and all the way up into pine forest zones.
Pay attention to where you’re buying a milkweed plant – large volume chain stores and some smaller nurseries treat plants with long lasting insecticides that can harm pollinators. Expect to see some aphids on milkweed plants most of the time; the absence of aphids may be an indicator that the plant has been treated with pesticides. If in question, ask the staff, although they may not be able to answer with certainty.
Aphids are not harmful to the plant and you should expect them on milkweeds in your garden. They also provide a food source for predators and a true ecological balance can only be achieved if you let nature balance the equation.
Flowers: J F M A M J J A S O N D
Status: Native
Origin: Southeast California, southwestern Arizona and into Mexico
Family: Asclepiadaceae (Milkweed Family)
Size: up to 10′ tall
Sun: Full
Watering: None once established
Growth Rate:
Soil:
Temperature: Tolerant
Pruning:
Disease and Pests:
Uses: Larval host plant for the Monarch and Queen butterflies. Nectar plant for bees, flower flies, wasps, butterflies and Hummingbirds. Special value to native bees.
Notes:
Resources
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