Kingdom:
Phylum:
Angiosperms
Order:
Gentianales
Genus:
Species:
californica
ID:
551835

Status:
valid

Authors:
Greene

Source:
cmp

Year:
1893

Citation Micro:
Erythea 1: 92 (1893)

WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000551167

Common Names

  • California Milkweed
  • Asclepias californica
  • California Silkweed

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Synonyms

  • Gomphocarpus tomentosus (Torr.) A.Gray [illegitimate]

Description

Asclepias californica (also called California Milkweed, among many other common names) is a perennial herbaceous plant native to the southwestern United States. It has a single stem with a rosette of leaves near the base and a terminal inflorescence of white flowers. It grows in open woodlands and along roadsides in its native range.

Uses & Benefits

Asclepias californica is used as a source of nectar for butterflies and other pollinators, and its foliage is eaten by some species of caterpillars. It is also used as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscapes.

Cultivars, Varieties & Sub-species

Asclepias californica sub. californica
Asclepias californica sub. greenei Woodson

Flower, Seeds and Seedlings

The flower of Asclepias californica is a small, white, star-shaped flower with five petals and yellow anthers. The seed is a small, dark brown, oval-shaped seed. The seedlings are small, green, and have a single, oval-shaped leaf.

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Cultivation and Propagation

Asclepias californica is a perennial plant that grows in dry, rocky soils. It prefers full sun and can tolerate some drought. Propagation is best done by seed, which should be sown in spring or early summer. The seed should be lightly covered with soil and kept moist until germination occurs. It can also be propagated by division of the rootstock in spring.

Where to Find Asclepias californica

Asclepias californica is native to California and can be found in open woodlands and prairies.

Asclepias californica FAQ

What is the scientific name of Asclepias californica?

Asclepias californica

What is the common name of Asclepias californica?

California Milkweed

What is the natural habitat of Asclepias californica?

Dry, rocky, open woods and prairies

Species in the Asclepias genus

Asclepias elegantula, Asclepias adscendens, Asclepias aequicornu, Asclepias albens, Asclepias albicans, Asclepias amabilis, Asclepias ameliae, Asclepias amplexicaulis, Asclepias angustifolia, Asclepias apocynifolia, Asclepias arenaria, Asclepias asperula, Asclepias atroviolacea, Asclepias aurea, Asclepias auriculata, Asclepias barjoniifolia, Asclepias bartlettiana, Asclepias baumii, Asclepias bicuspis, Asclepias bifida, Asclepias boliviensis, Asclepias brachystephana, Asclepias bracteolata, Asclepias brevicuspis, Asclepias brevipes, Asclepias bridgesii, Asclepias buchwaldii, Asclepias californica, Asclepias candida, Asclepias cinerea, Asclepias circinalis, Asclepias compressidens, Asclepias concinna, Asclepias connivens, Asclepias constricta, Asclepias conzattii, Asclepias cooperi, Asclepias cordifolia, Asclepias coulteri, Asclepias crassinervis, Asclepias crispa, Asclepias crocea, Asclepias cryptoceras, Asclepias cucullata, Asclepias cultriformis, Asclepias curassavica, Asclepias curtissii, Asclepias cutleri, Asclepias densiflora, Asclepias dependens,

Species in the Apocynaceae family

Acokanthera laevigata, Acokanthera oblongifolia, Acokanthera oppositifolia, Acokanthera rotundata, Acokanthera schimperi, Adenium boehmianum, Adenium multiflorum, Adenium obesum, Adenium oleifolium, Adenium swazicum, Adenium dhofarense, Aganosma breviloba, Aganosma cymosa, Aganosma gracilis, Aganosma lacei, Aganosma petelotii, Aganosma schlechteriana, Aganosma siamensis, Aganosma wallichii, Aganosma heynei, Alafia alba, Alafia barteri, Alafia benthamii, Alafia berrieri, Alafia calophylla, Alafia caudata, Alafia erythrophthalma, Alafia falcata, Alafia fuscata, Alafia insularis, Alafia intermedia, Alafia landolphioides, Alafia lucida, Alafia microstylis, Alafia multiflora, Alafia nigrescens, Alafia orientalis, Alafia parciflora, Alafia pauciflora, Alafia perrieri, Alafia schumannii, Alafia thouarsii, Alafia vallium, Alafia verschuereni, Alafia whytei, Alafia zambesiaca, Allamanda calcicola, Allamanda angustifolia, Allamanda blanchetii, Allamanda cathartica,

References