California Milkweed grows
in California's foothills and inland valleys in the lower 2/3 of the state. This photo
was taken in May along the Kern River where it is quite plentiful.
Seed was still young, mature seed would be more likely a little later in
the season. The soil in that area is sandy well drained decomposed
granite. There are a number of insect associations with milkweed
that are quite interesting to observe as the milkweeds are quite toxic to
most that might feed on it. Asclepias californica is a food and
nectar source for the Monarch Butterfly and a
great addition to the butterfly
garden.
High resolution
images of Asclepias californica are available.
