Sand Milkweed
Asclepias arenaria
Last reviewed: June 2026
Sand 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
6"–24" H × 6"–18" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
CO, KS, NE, NM and 4 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Sand milkweed is a compact native perennial that produces clusters of small white or pale pink flowers from June through August. This drought-tolerant plant stays relatively small and tidy, making it suitable for water-wise landscaping. It goes dormant in winter, dying back to the ground before returning in spring.
In an HOA neighborhood
Sand Milkweed is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.
- Dies back completely in winter
- May self-seed in favorable conditions
Wildlife value
Host plant for monarch butterfly.
Sand milkweed is essential for monarch butterflies, serving as both a host plant for caterpillars and nectar source for adults. It also attracts native bees and other beneficial pollinators during its summer blooming period.
Common questions
- How much sun does Sand Milkweed need?
- Sand Milkweed grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Sand Milkweed bloom?
- Sand Milkweed blooms in June, July, and August.
- Where is Sand Milkweed native?
- Sand Milkweed (Asclepias arenaria) is native to CO, KS, NE, NM and 4 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Sand Milkweed toxic to dogs?
- Yes. Sand 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 Sand Milkweed toxic to cats?
- Yes. Sand 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 Sand Milkweed host?
- Sand Milkweed is a larval host plant for monarch butterfly.
- Is Sand Milkweed HOA-friendly?
- Sand Milkweed is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low 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 Sand Milkweed and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.