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Asclepias fascicularis – Asclepiadaceae - ‘Narrow-Leafed Milkweed.' – Native to a wide are in the hot interior of the west coast, this particular species of Milkweed is said by many to be the preferred species of Monarch butterflies of all the native Milkweeds, perhaps due to its widespread distribution. Balls of waxy ornamental flowers are sweet scented, and in addition to butterflies attract all manner of bugs, including beetles, bees, ants, and, well, whatever happens to be in the area- it really pulls 'em out of the woodwork! The flowers are, like all milkweeds, followed by puffer fish-like pods that expand into fluffy cottony puffs.

Narrow-Leafed Milkweed spreads from the roots freely, and in favored sites can create a good sized patch. It is tolerant of high heat and late summer drought and will, in any case, die to the ground completely come wintertime, so mark the planting spot well. In the garden it prefers a well-drained and sunny site, and happily endures drops down to 10º F and lower.