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 resolutionimages of Asclepias californica are available.