(Asclepias fascicularis)
Narrow-leaf Milkweed

Narrow-leaf Milkweed (Asclepias fascicularis)

Alternative Names

Mexican whorled Milkweed and Narrow-leaved Milkweed

Description of Narrow-leaf Milkweed (Asclepias fascicularis)

Narrow-leaf milkweed (Asclepias fascicularis), a member of the Apocynaceae (Dogbane Family), is a herbaceous perennial that grows from 1 to 3 feet tall and has lavender-white flowers that bloom from spring through fall (roughly April to September, depending on location).  The leaves are simple, opposite to whorled, entire, linear to lanceolate in shape, and are up to 6 inches in length and 0.75 inches wide.  This plant grows in hardiness zones 6-10 and likes open areas with full sun that have dry soils.  More information about narrow-leaf milkweed can be found on this blog post.

Hosted Species

Monarch Butterfly (Danaus plexippus)

Queen Butterfly (Danaus gilippus)

Nectar Species

Other butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds use this plant as a nectar source.

Range of Narrow-leaf Milkweed (Asclepias fascicularis) in the United States and Canada

Interesting Facts

The genus name, Asclepias, is the Greek name for the God of Medicine.  The species name, fascicularis, is Latin for “bundles,” referring to the leaves.