California Milkweed

Common Name

California Milkweed, Round Hooded Milkweed

Latin Name

Asclepias californica

Family

Asclepiadaceae

Sunset zones / USDA zones

/ 7-10

Type / Form

Shrub / Small

Native Habitat

Dry slopes below 3,500 feet in California

Soil

Dry, decomposed granite, sand, clay loam low in organic content, well drained

Water

Once or twice per month

Exposure

Full sun

Height X Width

Maximum 3 feet X 3 feet

Protective Mechanism

Leaves contain toxic resinoids

Leaves

Grey/white, fuzzy

Flowers

Attractive deep purple flowers, grey/white fuzzy leaves

Bark / Roots

Maintenance

None

Propagation

Seed - best sown in a greenhouse as soon as it is ripe in the autumn or in late winter. We have also had good results from sowing the seed in the greenhouse in early spring, though stored seed might need 2 - 3 weeks cold stratification. Germination usually takes place in 1 - 3 months at 18°c. As soon as the seedlings are large enough to handle, prick them out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant out when they are in active growth in late spring or early summer and give them some protection from slugs until they are growing away strongly. Division in spring. With great care since the plant resents root disturbance. Pot the divisions up and place them in a lightly shaded position in the greenhouse until they are growing away strongly, then plant them out in the summer, giving them some protection from slugs until they are established.. Basal cuttings in late spring. Use shoots about 10cm long with as much of their white underground stem as possible. Pot them up individually and place them in a lightly shaded position in a greenhouse until they are rooting and growing actively. If the plants grow sufficiently, they can be put into their permanent positions in the summer, otherwise keep them in the greenhouse until the following spring and when they are in active growth plant them out into their permanent positions. Give them some protection from slugs until they are established.

Pest / Diseases

Butterfly caterpillars

Landscape uses

Rock garden, low maintenance, background

Garden Suitability

Moonlight, Butterfly

Nature Value

Butterfly magnet

Native American Uses

Leaves baked, eaten (not recommended), medicinal

Links

Images and data