Plant Highlights

This is an erect perennial herb which loses its leaves early in the season and stands as a cluster of naked stalks. This important habitat shrub will grow to 4' x 4' in sandy, rocky and dry soil.It produces numerous stems off a common root crown offering the sculptural look of Horsetails, but without the accompanying demands for water.The unusual flowers are followed by pairs of ornamental, horn-shaped seed pods. Bloom season is long, from April through December. It is shade tolerant under desert conditions and can tolerate a minimum temperature of 10 to 20 Fahrenheit (-12 to -6 Celsius). Rush Milkweed provides an excellent litter-free choice for pool side or xeriscapes.

California's milkweeds make an important contribution to any habitat garden. They attract a diverse array of insects and are especially vital to the perpetuation of monarch butterflies.