Asclepias fascicularis – white flowers and narrow leaves. aka Narrow-leaved milkweed. This one should be the go-to for L.A. gardeners.
Where does milkweed grow in Southern California?
In inland Southern California, Narrow Leaf Milkweed is the Monarch’s native host plant, and its flowers also provide nectar. It is a perennial that grows 3-4 ft. high and forms colonies. It grows best in full sun to part shade and is a low to moderate water user.
Can you plant milkweed in California?
We recommend planting native milkweeds only. California is home to 15 species of milkweed. … These latter two species break dormancy earlier in the spring than showy and narrow-leaved milkweeds, and may therefore be especially beneficial to monarchs leaving their overwintering grounds along the California coast.
Where does milkweed grow in California?
Growing Instructions: Start California Milkweed seeds outdoors in late November. Pick a location with full sun and prepare soil for good drainage, if needed. Plant seeds 1/8″ deep and 18” apart, using 3 seeds per hole. Water once, and then allow the winter rain and/or snow to provide moisture until the spring.Is milkweed invasive in California?
If you’re lucky enough to have naturally moist garden soil here in droughty California, showy milkweed can be almost invasive, sending out aggressive creeping roots that can easily crowd out other garden plants.
Is common milkweed native to Southern California?
Asclepias erosa is a species of milkweed known commonly as desert milkweed. It is native to southern California, Arizona, and northern Baja California, where it is most abundant in the desert regions.
When should I plant milkweed in Southern California?
So in the simplest terms, butterfly experts say California native milkweeds, with their pink, white and cream-colored flowers are the only milkweeds we should be planting in Southern California, because they typically go dormant around December (meaning the tops of the plants die back but the roots stay alive), and …
Where do monarchs overwinter in California?
Monarchs living west of the Rocky Mountain range in North America overwinter in California along the Pacific coast near Santa Cruz and San Diego. Here microclimatic conditions are very similar to that in central Mexico. Monarchs roost in eucalyptus, Monterey pines, and Monterey cypresses in California.What milkweed is native to San Diego?
The five main San Diego native milkweeds are narrow leaf milkweed, Indian milkweed, California milkweed, rush milkweed and desert milkweed. San Diego native plant nurseries sell them, or you can grow natives from seeds purchased online or locally.
Where should you not plant milkweed?For these reasons, the Xerces Society does not recommend planting milkweed (non-native or native) close to overwintering sites (within 5-10 miles of the coast) in Central and Northern coastal California where it did not occur historically (see State of the Overwintering Sites Report for additional information).
Article first time published onWill monarch caterpillars eat California milkweed?
The milkweed’s flowers produce high quality nectar for a variety of pollinators, including the monarch butterfly. Milkweeds are also the only plant that adult monarchs will lay their eggs on, and the only food that monarch caterpillars eat.
How do butterflies find milkweed?
Monarchs find milkweed using their sense of sight and smell (sensory receptors). They have sensory receptors in their antennae and front legs. … Reproductive female monarchs continuously move across the landscape in search of milkweed on which to lay their eggs.
Will milkweed come back every year?
It’s always best to plant milkweeds that are native to your area. … These native milkweed are perennials, meaning they come back year after year. Their aerial parts (flower, leaves, stem) die back but their rootstock remains alive throughout the winter.
What milkweed do monarchs like best?
Three species have particularly wide ranges and are good choices in most regions: common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca), swamp milkweed (A. incarnata), and butterflyweed (A. tuberosa).
Is milkweed poisonous to dogs?
The Pet Poison Helpline reports that milkweed is a moderate to severe poisoning in dogs and cats, which means get to the vet as soon as you suspect your pet has ingested the plant, or even butterflies or caterpillars that eat milkweed. Buddy’s symptoms were typical for poisoning, but other signs include: Drooling.
Should I plant milkweed in my yard?
So the rule is: If you live along the California coast, plant nectar plants to support the monarchs migrating to and from overwintering sites; do not plant milkweed. It is best not to plant milkweed within 10 miles of an overwintering site.
Will deer eat milkweed?
Deer and rabbits have been reported to eat milkweed leaves, and there are many other insects that feed on milkweed such as milkweed bugs, tussock moths, queen butterfly larvae, and more. Nectar and pollen from milkweeds are important food sources for many pollinators, in addition to monarch butterflies.
Should I plant milkweed?
Should I plant milkweed? Milkweeds are the required host plants for monarch butterfly caterpillars (female monarchs lay their eggs on milkweeds) and their flowers provide nectar for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.
What's the difference between native and tropical milkweed?
Tropical milkweed (Asclepias curassavica) is a non-native milkweed that has exploded in popularity in response to the demand for milkweed. … When native milkweeds die back after blooming, the parasite dies along with them so that each summer’s monarch population feeds on fresh, parasite-free foliage.
How long does it take for milkweed to grow?
Wait – Place in a sunny window, in a greenhouse, or under a grow light. Cold-stratified Milkweed seeds should germinate and sprout within 10-15 days after planting.
Does planting milkweed help monarch butterflies?
Milkweed is the host plant for the monarch butterfly. Without milkweed, the larva would not be able to develop into a butterfly. … Monarch larvae ,or caterpillars, feed exclusively on milkweed leaves.
Do Monarch caterpillars eat narrow leaf milkweed?
Caring for your milkweed. In summer, Narrow-Leaf Milkweed (Asclepias fascicularis) grow fragrant white or lavender flowers that are a beautiful addition to any garden. In addition to the visual element, planting milkweed provides food for monarch caterpillars and nectar for a diverse range of pollinators.
Is Asclepias tuberosa native to California?
Asclepias tuberosa, a dicot, is a shrub that is not native to California.
Should I plant milkweed in San Diego?
Remember that milkweed is deciduous so the plant may die back over winter but under the soil it is still alive and will regenerate in the spring. Don’t forget to water! 5. Plant outside in the spring after threat of frost has passed, generally late March for San Diego.
What plants attract butterflies in San Diego?
Parsley, dill, carrots and fennel: We grow parsley, dill, carrots and fennel for ourselves but also plant extras as host plants for swallowtail butterflies. Common rue (Ruta graveolens): Rue is a host plant for black and giant swallowtail butterflies.
Are there monarch butterflies in San Diego?
Some of the largest monarch sanctuaries are located on the Central California Coast, however, San Diego is also among their favorite wintering destinations. Monarchs arrive in California around mid-October and stay until early February. They can be spotted around San Diego parks and private gardens.
Are there monarch butterflies in Southern California?
Every year, from October through early March, these butterflies migrate to central & southern California, mostly coming in from areas west of the Rocky Mountains, and south from Oregon & Idaho. They flock to San Diego, Orange County, Monterey and Santa Cruz, forming huge clusters in groves along the coast.
Where can I see monarchs in Southern California?
Popular sites to visit include the Monarch Grove Butterfly Sanctuary in Pacific Grove, the Butterfly Grove at Pismo State Beach and Natural Bridges State Beach in Santa Cruz. You also may find places closer to Southern California to see butterflies too.
Do monarch butterflies live in California?
In California, migrating monarchs begin appearing along the coast in October. There are over 300 overwintering sites from south of Ensenada, Baja California, to north of San Francisco, in Sonoma County. By mid- November, most monarchs have chosen their winter homes.
Why is milkweed illegal?
Milkweed does contain toxins that can be harmful to pets, livestock and people. The milky sap for which it gets its name leaks out from the stem or leaves. This sap contains toxins called cardiac glycosides or cardenolides, which are toxic to animals if consumed in large quantities.
Is milkweed good for bees?
“Generally, milkweeds are considered beneficial to bees. … It is conceivably possible for bees and other small pollinators to become trapped in a blossom. Also, the sticky pollen masses might cling to a bee’s head or legs, thereby affecting her mobility or appearance.”
