California Milkweed
Asclepias californica
Photo Citations
Naturedigger would like to thank the following individuals for their contributions to the California milkweed (Asclepias californica) identification slide:
Flower image provided by: Arboretum Amy - iNaturalist observation
(cropped) CC NC-BY 4.0
Inset flower image provided by: Christian Schwartz - iNaturalist observation (cropped) CC NC-BY 4.0
Leaf image provided by: Lee F. - iNaturalist observation (cropped) CC NC-BY 4.0
Pod image provided by: Ken-ichi Ueda - iNaturalist observation (cropped) CC BY 4.0
Asclepias californica Profile
Common Name(s):
California milkweed
round-hooded milkweed
Scientific Name:
Asclepias californica
Native Range:
CA
USDA Symbol:
ASCA3
Habitat:
• grassy flats
• bushy hillsides below 7,000 feet (2,100 meters)
• open woods of California
• sandy, clay and rocky soils
Growing Conditions:
• full sun
• drought tolerant
Plant Height:
• 1-3 feet (30-60 centimeters)
Stem Description:
• thick, white and woolly
• may be erect, but typically run along the ground or bend
• mature plants have multiple stems
Leaf Description:
• ovate
• oblong to lanceolate
• 2-7 inches (5-18 centimeters) long
• 1-3 inches (2.5-7.5 centimeters)
• very woolly
• sessile or have a very short petiole
Leaf Arrangement:
• opposite
Leaf Margin:
• entire
• smooth or wavy
Leaf Surface:
• dense hairs
Flowering Period:
• April through July
Flower Description:
• reddish, purple or cream-colored corolla (petals)
• reddish or deep purple hoods
• lack visible horns
• hoods and stigma are the only part of the plant not covered in hairs
• underside of petals may be hairy
• buds are very woolly
• reflexed corolla (petals)
• droop rather than stand erect when fully open
Pod Description:
• green turning light brown as it matures
• covered with short hairs
• 3-4 inches (7.5-10 centimeters) long
• 0.75-1.5 inches (2-2.5 centimeters) wide
Other Information:
• endemic to California
To Locate and Purchase Seeds (when available):
Xerces Society Milkweed Seed Finder
Milkweed and Wildflower Vendors
For More Information About This Species Visit:
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center