Desert Milkweed
Asclepias erosa
Last reviewed: June 2026
Asclepias erosa (Desert Milkweed) is a drought-tolerant native forb blooming April through August in Arizona, California, Nevada, and Utah. This full-sun perennial attracts bees, butterflies, and moths with its white flower clusters.
Desert Milkweed is toxic to dogs and cats.
Listed as toxic by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) (last reviewed 2026-05-21). 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 × 12"–24" W
Bloom
Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
AZ, CA, NV, UT
Pollinators
bees, butterflies, moths
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Desert milkweed is a hardy perennial that produces clusters of small, creamy white to pale pink flowers from spring through summer. This native plant goes dormant in winter, losing its leaves but returning reliably each year with minimal water requirements.
Growing Desert Milkweed
Grow Desert Milkweed in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 12 to 36 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Desert 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.
- Can look weedy when dormant in winter
- May self-seed and spread beyond intended areas
- Stems can appear scraggly between bloom periods
Wildlife value
Host plant for monarch butterfly, queen butterfly.
Essential host plant for monarch butterfly caterpillars and provides nectar for various butterflies, bees, and moths. Supports monarch butterfly migration.
Common questions
- When does Desert Milkweed bloom?
- Asclepias erosa blooms from April through August, producing clusters of small white to pale pink flowers that attract various pollinators.
- Where is Desert Milkweed native?
- Desert Milkweed is native to the southwestern United States, including Arizona, California, Nevada, and Utah, typically growing in desert washes and rocky slopes.
- What pollinators visit Desert Milkweed?
- Asclepias erosa attracts bees, butterflies, and moths. Like other milkweeds, it serves as an important nectar source for monarch butterflies and other native pollinators.
- What growing conditions does Desert Milkweed need?
- This drought-tolerant plant thrives in full sun and low water conditions, making it well-suited for xeriscaping and native plant gardens in arid regions.
- Is Desert Milkweed toxic to dogs?
- Yes. Desert Milkweed is listed as toxic to dogs by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
- Is Desert Milkweed toxic to cats?
- Yes. Desert Milkweed is listed as toxic to cats by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your cat has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
- Is Desert Milkweed HOA-friendly?
- Desert Milkweed is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.
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 Desert Milkweed and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.
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