California Milkweed

Planting

Plant California Milkweed in full sun where it will get good drainage - it tolerates sand, clay, and even slow-draining soils, so you have flexibility here. This is a Bay Area native, so plant it in spring when soil is workable. Space it where its thick, woolly stems have room to sprawl along the ground, since this plant grows 3 feet tall and likes to spread. Bonus: you're planting a Monarch butterfly host plant that's locally native, which helps the species complete their migration cycle properly.

After Planting

Water regularly the first summer to get it established, then cut back dramatically - once established, it needs maximum 2 waterings per month even in summer. This plant is deciduous and will go dormant, so don't panic when it disappears in winter; it's hardy to 5°F and will return. The #1 mistake Bay Area gardeners make is overwatering this drought-tough native; treat it like the low-water plant it is after year one, and it will thrive for years with minimal fussing.

Insects

criMonarch butterfly

Larval Host · Year-Round

Critical larval food plant for multiple generations; essential for spring and fall migration populations

higGray hairstreak butterfly

Larval Host · Year-Round

Larval host plant; supports multiple broods throughout warm season

modBanded hairstreak

Larval Host · Summer

Larval host plant; caterpillars feed on foliage in early summer

modMilkweed tussock moth

Larval Host · Year-Round

Caterpillars feed on milkweed foliage; can reach high densities in late summer