Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria

View additional distribution information on the Jepson eflora

Asclepias nyctaginifolia is a species of milkweed known by the common name Mojave milkweed. It is native to the southwestern United States from California to New Mexico, where it grows mainly in desert habitat. This is a perennial herb growing up to about half a meter in maximum height when erect, but often bending or drooping. The thick leaves are oval to lance-shaped and arranged in opposite pairs about the stem. The leaves and stem are generally slightly hairy. The flower cluster is a dense umbel up to 8 centimeters wide and packed with pink-tinted pale green flowers. The fruit is a large follicle up to 9 centimeters long.

Plant type

Perennial herb

Size

2 ft Tall

Calscape icon
Color

Green, White, Purple, Pink

Sun

Full Sun

Water

Low, Very Low

Site type

Dry slopes and washes

Plant communities

Pinyon-Juniper Woodland

Caterpillars
Butterflies

Butterflies and moths supported

0 confirmed and 2 likely

Confirmed Likely

Queen

Danaus gilippus

Monarch

Danaus plexippus