Share

Native Plant Database

Search for native plants by scientific name, common name or family. If you are not sure what you are looking for, try the Combination Search or our Recommended Species lists.

Search native plant database:
Name:    
Family:    

Asclepias subulata (Rush milkweed)
Wasowski, Sally and Andy

Asclepias subulata Dcne.

Rush milkweed, Desert milkweed, Ajamete

Asclepiadaceae (Milkweed Family)

USDA Symbol: ASSU

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

Like many desert perennials, this shrubby, leafless milkweed bears leaves only after rain. The greenish-white, 3-4 1/2 ft. stems occur in clusters. Whitish-green flowers bloom in terminal clusters and are followed by narrow, milkweed pods.

 

From the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Herb
Root Type: Tap
Size Notes: 4 feet spread (1.2 m), 3 feet wide
Flower:
Fruit:
Size Class: 3-6 ft.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: White , Yellow
Bloom Time: Apr , May , Jun , Jul , Aug , Sep , Oct , Nov , Dec

Distribution

USA: AZ , CA , NV
Native Distribution: S. AZ, s.e. CA & n.w. Mex.
Native Habitat: Dry slopes, mesas, plains & desert washed to 3000 ft.
USDA Native Status: L48(N)

Growing Conditions

Water Use: Low
Light Requirement: Sun
Soil Moisture: Dry
Soil Description: Dry, rocky or sandy soils.
Conditions Comments: Not Available

Benefit

Use Wildlife: Forage source for the Monarch and Striated Queen Butterflies.
Warning: All plants in the genus Asclepias are probably somewhat toxic, some fatally so, to both humans and animals. The sap of some causes skin irritation in humans. Sensitivity to a toxin varies with a person’s age, weight, physical condition, and individual susceptibility. Children are most vulnerable because of their curiosity and small size. Toxicity can vary in a plant according to season, the plant’s different parts, and its stage of growth; and plants can absorb toxic substances, such as herbicides, pesticides, and pollutants from the water, air, and soil.
Attracts: Butterflies

Value to Beneficial Insects

Special Value to Native Bees
Special Value to Bumble Bees
Special Value to Honey Bees
Supports Conservation Biological Control

This information was provided by the Pollinator Program at The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation.

Bibliography

Bibref 995 - Native Landscaping from El Paso to L.A. (2000) Wasowski, S. and A. Wasowski

Search More Titles in Bibliography

Recommended Species Lists

Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.

View Recommended Species page

Additional resources

USDA: Find Asclepias subulata in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Asclepias subulata in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Asclepias subulata

Metadata

Record Modified: 2008-10-19
Research By: TWC Staff

Go back