Woollypod Milkweed
Asclepias eriocarpa
Last reviewed: June 2026
Asclepias eriocarpa (Woollypod Milkweed) is a California native forb that blooms white flowers from June through September. This drought-tolerant plant attracts butterflies, bees, and moths in full sun conditions.
Woollypod Milkweed is toxic to dogs and cats.
Listed as toxic by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) (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"–40" H × 18"–36" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
CA
Pollinators
butterflies, bees, moths
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Woollypod Milkweed is a drought-tolerant native perennial that produces clusters of creamy white to pale pink flowers from summer through early fall. This medium-sized plant has distinctive woolly seed pods and silvery-green foliage that adds texture to the landscape. It goes dormant in winter but reliably returns each spring.
Growing Woollypod Milkweed
Grow Woollypod Milkweed in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 12 to 40 inches tall and spread 18 to 36 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Woollypod 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.
- Coarse, woolly foliage can look unkempt
- Dies back to ground in winter
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. The flowers are particularly attractive to native bees and other beneficial insects.
Common questions
- When does Woollypod Milkweed bloom?
- Asclepias eriocarpa blooms from June through September, producing clusters of white to cream-colored flowers that attract various pollinators.
- What pollinators visit Woollypod Milkweed?
- Woollypod Milkweed attracts butterflies, bees, and moths. Like other milkweeds, it serves as an important nectar source and host plant for monarch butterflies.
- Where is Asclepias eriocarpa native?
- Woollypod Milkweed is native to California, where it grows naturally in grasslands, chaparral, and oak woodlands at elevations from sea level to about 4,000 feet.
- What growing conditions does Woollypod Milkweed prefer?
- This milkweed thrives in full sun with low water requirements, making it well-suited for drought-tolerant gardens and native California landscapes.
- Is Woollypod Milkweed toxic to dogs?
- Yes. Woollypod 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 Woollypod Milkweed toxic to cats?
- Yes. Woollypod 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 Woollypod Milkweed HOA-friendly?
- Woollypod 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 Woollypod Milkweed and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.
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