Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Apocynaceae

Genus:

Asclepias

Species:

Asclepias lemmonii

USDA Symbol:

ASLE13

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Forb/herb

Height:

60 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

High

Bloom Months:

may,jun,jul,aug,sep

Bloom Colors:

white, cream, pale yellow

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:

★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)

Butterflies & Moths:

★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)

Keystone Species Ranking

Caterpillar Keystone:

★★☆☆☆ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

butterflies, bees, other pollinators

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Fragrant:

Yes

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

rocky, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil

pH:

6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

dry to moderate

Notes:

native to arid regions, prefers rocky slopes

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days

Germination Time:

10–21 days

Notes:

Seeds germinate readily with moisture and warmth after cold stratification. Light exposure may enhance germination.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI