Pineneedle Milkweed
(Asclepias linaria)
Pineneedle Milkweed (Asclepias linaria)
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Brad Grimm
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Brad Grimm
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Brad Grimm | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Brad Grimm | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2019-08-13T18:12:37Z |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Asclepias linaria, commonly known as Pineneedle Milkweed, is a perennial subshrub or herb that is evergreen in warmer climates and semi-deciduous in cooler regions. It is native to arid environments, including desert washes, rocky slopes, and chaparral in the Southwestern United States and Mexico. This species typically grows to a height of 2-5 feet (0.6-1.5 meters) and a width of 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters), featuring narrow, needle-like leaves that resemble pine needles, hence its common name.
Pineneedle Milkweed is valued for its drought tolerance and its ability to attract butterflies, particularly monarchs, as it serves as a host plant for their larvae. It produces clusters of intricate pink and green flowers from late spring through summer and into fall, which are moderately showy and provide nectar for a variety of pollinators. In cultivation, it is used in xeriscaping, native plant gardens, and as an accent in dry borders. It thrives in full sun to part shade and requires well-drained soil, preferably sandy or rocky, with minimal water once established. While generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to aphids and whiteflies. Gardeners should be aware that all parts of the plant contain toxic compounds, which can be harmful if ingested.CC BY-SA 4.0
Pineneedle Milkweed is valued for its drought tolerance and its ability to attract butterflies, particularly monarchs, as it serves as a host plant for their larvae. It produces clusters of intricate pink and green flowers from late spring through summer and into fall, which are moderately showy and provide nectar for a variety of pollinators. In cultivation, it is used in xeriscaping, native plant gardens, and as an accent in dry borders. It thrives in full sun to part shade and requires well-drained soil, preferably sandy or rocky, with minimal water once established. While generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to aphids and whiteflies. Gardeners should be aware that all parts of the plant contain toxic compounds, which can be harmful if ingested.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Subshrub, Herb
- Height: 2-5 feet
- Width: 2-3 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Pink, Green
- Flowering Season: Fall, Spring, Summer
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Low, Very Low
- Drainage: Medium, Fast
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Fragrant, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance
Natural Habitat
Native to arid environments, including desert washes, rocky slopes, and chaparral
Other Names
Common Names: Yerba De Cuervo, Pine-Needle Milkweed
Scientific Names: , Asclepias linaria, Asclepias filiformis, Asclepias pinifolia,
GBIF Accepted Name: Asclepias linaria Cav.