Rush Milkweed
Asclepias subulata
- Native to:
- Mexico, United States
Stan Shebs
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Apocynaceae
- Genus:
- Asclepias
- Species:
- Asclepias subulata
- USDA Symbol:
- ASSU
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb , Subshrub
- Height:
- 150 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- mar,apr,may,jun,jul,aug,sep
- Bloom Colors:
- white, cream
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)
Reported Fauna Sightings
Bees: ⚠️Western honey bee (Apis mellifera) Butterflies:Gray Hairstreak (Strymon melinus), ⚠️Monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus), Queen butterfly (Danaus gilippus)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees, butterflies, monarch caterpillars
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Salt Tolerant:
- Yes
- Fragrant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- well-drained, sandy or gravelly soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 8.0 (neutral to slightly alkaline)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- native to arid desert regions
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–30 days
- Notes:
- Seeds benefit from cold stratification for 30-60 days to break dormancy; sow in warm soil.
Pre-treatment: Single-step cold-moist stratification for temperate woodland species. for 60–120 days
Notes: Seeds germinate readily without pretreatment.
Source: Claude AI
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Should not need chilling