Desert Milkweed
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Desert Milkweed, also known as Rush Milkweed or Cane Milkweed, is an evergreen perennial. It has striking vertical gray-green succulent stems that bear small linear leaves only after rain and are otherwise bare. From mid-spring to winter, small clusters of white flowers open from creamy yellow buds and provide nectar for butterflies, bees, and other pollinators. Desert Milkweed also serves as a food source for monarch and queen butterfly caterpillars.
Native to the southwestern U.S., this perennial is drought—and heat-tolerant once established. It is the only evergreen milkweed native to the U.S. and thrives in full sun in sandy, well-drained soils. It does not have serious pest or disease issues.
Desert Milkweed is slightly poisonous, and its sap is a skin irritant. It is toxic to dogs, cats, and horses, but it is a vital plant for butterfly gardens.
Height: 2'-4'
Spread: 2'-4'
Bloom: April-December
Light: Full Sun
Water: Low
Zone: 9, 10, 11
Origin: Southwestern U.S., Northern Mexico
Winter Shipping: We will continue to ship throughout winter. If you prefer, we are happy to hold your order until spring; please include that request in your shipping notes.
When you order plants from our nursery, you can expect them to arrive in the best possible condition. Our team carefully packs each order using sturdy, biodegradable packaging materials.
Your plants' appearance may vary depending on the season and their current growth stage. We may cut back the leafy growth of some plants to prepare them for shipment and transplanting.
5 Gallon and Up: Any plant purchased to ship over 5 Gallons will be shipped bare root. This means we will remove the plant from its original pot, remove the soil surrounding the roots, and wrap the roots with a biodegradable plastic bag. This reduces weight and the likelihood of damage during shipping.
Once your plants arrive, it is essential to plant them as soon as possible. This will help them rebound and thrive. If you cannot plant immediately, water regularly and keep the roots off heat-conducting surfaces.
Newly transplanted plants often require more water until their roots are well established. Plan to water them 1-3 times weekly for the first few months.
