Asclepias californica - Round-hooded Milkweed

Description

This perennial milkweed is found in the Coast Ranges, Transverse Ranges, and southern Sierra Nevada foothills down to northern Baja. In the Bay Area it grows up on Mount Hamilton and Mount Diablo.  Very pale green, wooly leaves are born on 1 to 4 foot tall stems and umbels of purple flowers appear in May or June. In your garden provide a site with excellent drainage and full sun. Once established, no additional summer water is necessary. It is best grown in inland areas.