Horsetail Milkweed

Asclepias subverticillata

Horsetail milkweed (a.k.a., western whorled milkweed) is a unique, drought tolerant milkweed that is at home in plains, foothills, roadsides, and semi-open pinon and juniper woodlands. Mid-summer white blooms are loved by native bees. This milkweed thrives in rocky, dry, poor soils. Leaves are long and very slender, giving the plant an airy appearance. Serves as a host plant for monarch butterflies, queen butterflies, as well as 10 other butterfly and moth species. Reported grows up to 3′ tall, but usually they are shorter. An excellent addition to rock gardens and xeric gardens.

All milkweeds have a milky sap that is toxic to livestock. The sap of horsetail milkweed is recognized as being more toxic than others, making this plant particularly unwelcome in pastures. This variety of milkweed does not have a taproot, making it easier to transplant than other milkweed species.

Plant Details

Native Range: Native to CO and much of the western and central U.S.
Height: 18-36″
Spacing: 12″
Water Needs: Low-Moderate
Soil: Course, Loamy, Clay
Sunlight: Full sun
Bloom Time: July
USDA Zone: 4-7
Life Cycle: Perennial

Shipping

Pick up, shipping, and delivery options available. We can ship anywhere in the contiguous U.S. except Arizona, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Texas, Washington, or Wyoming due to state regulations regarding agricultural imports.

Image Credit:
Asclepias subverticillata 22667307.jpg | Alex Abair | Creative Commons Attribution 4.0