Rush milkweed
Asclepias subulata
Last reviewed: August 2026
Rush milkweed (Asclepias subulata) is a perennial forb native to AZ, CA, NV. It blooms in March, April, May, June, July, August, September, and October. The flowers draw bees and butterflies. It reads as an intentional, HOA-friendly planting in the right spot.
Rush milkweed is toxic to dogs and cats.
Listed as toxic by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) (last reviewed 2026-08-15). 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"–48" H × 18"–30" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
Native to
AZ, CA, NV
Pollinators
bees, butterflies
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 445 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaBrowse plants for this ecoregion
A striking leafless perennial forming a dense cluster of slender, upright pale green stems that photosynthesize in place of foliage. Small clusters of creamy-yellow flowers appear at the stem tips through much of the warm season, followed by narrow seed pods. The sculptural, rush-like form stays tidy and works well as a low-water accent in gravel or rock plantings.
Growing Rush milkweed
Grow Rush milkweed in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 24 to 48 inches tall and spread 18 to 30 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Rush milkweed is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.
Wildlife value
Host plant for Monarch, Queen.
An important larval host for monarch and queen butterflies, with nectar flowers that draw bees, wasps, and butterflies over a long bloom season.
Common questions
- How much sun does Rush milkweed need?
- Rush milkweed grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Rush milkweed bloom?
- Rush milkweed blooms in March, April, May, June, July, August, September, and October.
- Where is Rush milkweed native?
- Rush milkweed (Asclepias subulata) is native to AZ, CA, NV, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- Is Rush milkweed toxic to dogs?
- Yes. Rush 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 Rush milkweed toxic to cats?
- Yes. Rush 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.
- What butterflies or moths does Rush milkweed host?
- Rush milkweed is a larval host plant for Monarch and Queen.
- Is Rush milkweed HOA-friendly?
- Rush milkweed is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants like Rush milkweed and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz