California Milkweed
Asclepias californica
Last reviewed: June 2026
California Milkweed is toxic to dogs and cats.
Listed as toxic by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (last reviewed 2026-06-03). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435and your veterinarian's emergency line.
Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants so you can choose a pet-safe native alternative for your yard.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
12"–36" H × 18"–36" W
Bloom
Apr, May, Jun, Jul
Native to
CA
Pollinators
butterflies, bees, moths
Browse plants for this ecoregion
California milkweed is a low, spreading perennial with woolly gray-green foliage and dense clusters of dusty rose to purple flowers in spring. Endemic to California, it grows in dry coastal sage scrub and chaparral slopes from the coast into the Sierra foothills. Native to California per the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center and Calflora.
In an HOA neighborhood
California Milkweed is an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 2 out of 5.
Works well in: mid zone, backyard only.
- Sprawling, woolly gray habit can read as weedy
- Goes dormant in summer heat and winter
Wildlife value
Host plant for monarch butterfly, queen butterfly.
Larval host for monarch and queen butterfly caterpillars; one of three milkweeds native to San Diego County (Resource Conservation District of Greater San Diego County).
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants like California Milkweed and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.