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

 

Grow Milkweed Plants

 

For More Information About This Species Visit:

 

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

 

Bring Back Monarchs

 

USDA Plants Database

​

iNaturalist