Narrowleaf Milkweed
Asclepias fascicularis
Last reviewed: June 2026
Narrowleaf 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
24"–36" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
AZ, CA, ID, NV and 3 more states
Pollinators
butterflies, bees, moths
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Narrowleaf milkweed is an upright perennial with slender, whorled leaves and flat clusters of small pale pink to white flowers from late spring into fall. It is the most widely planted native milkweed in California and the primary monarch host along the coast and inland valleys. Native to California per the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center and Calflora.
In an HOA neighborhood
Narrowleaf Milkweed is an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, mid zone, street edge.
- Goes dormant and dies back in winter
- Can self-seed in irrigated beds
Wildlife value
Host plant for monarch butterfly, queen butterfly.
Primary larval host for monarch and queen butterfly caterpillars in California; nectar source for native bees, wasps, and butterflies (Xerces Society).
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 Narrowleaf Milkweed and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.