Common Name(s):

Arizona milkweed

narrow-leaved milkweed

narrow-leaf milkweed

slender milkweed

 

Scientific Name:

Asclepias angustifolia

 

Native Range:

AZ

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USDA Symbol:

ASAN5

 

Habitat: 

• dry, rocky soil

• canyons

• along stream beds

• hilly slopes

• elevation 4,000-5,000 feet (1220-1500 meters)

 

Growing Conditions:

• full sun to partial shade

 

Plant Height:
24-36 inches (61-92 centimeters)

 

Stem Description:

• narrow and erect

• numerous stems arise from root crown on mature plants

 

Leaf Description: 

• linear, lanceolate or elliptic

• 1.5-4.75 inches (4-12 centimeters) long

• 0.5-1.0 inches (2-11 centimeters) wide

• petioles short, up to 0.5 inch (2 centimeters) long

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Leaf Arrangement:

• opposite

 

Leaf Margin:

• entire

 

Leaf Surface:

• glabrous

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Flowering Period: 

• March through August

Flower Description: 

• small, approximately 0.12 inches (3 millimeters) long and same width 

• white to whitish-pink with a purple or pink tinge

• horns protrude through the hoods of the flower

• corolla reflexes backward

• small, flat, erect umbel

• approximately 2 umbels per stem and approximately 10 flowers per umbel

 

Pod Description:

• erect, long and linear

• 2-3.5 inches (5-9 centimeters) long

• 0.75-1 (2-2.5 centimeters) wide

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Similar Species:

• horsetail milkweed (Asclepias subverticillata)

• whorled milkweed (Asclepias verticillata)

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Other Information:

• Only found in Arizona