Asclepias vestita, commonly known as Woolly Milkweed or Woollypod Milkweed, is a perennial herb native to California, specifically thriving in arid regions such as desert washes, dry slopes, and plains, as well as in the Central Valley’s grasslands. It typically grows at a moderate rate to a height of 1-2.5 feet (0.3-0.8 meters) and is characterized by its woolly, gray-green foliage and stems. The plant produces clusters of white to pink flowers that are quite showy and bloom in the summer, attracting a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies. Notably, it serves as a host plant for the Monarch butterfly, providing a food source for the larvae.

Woolly Milkweed is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in challenging environments, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping and naturalized areas in dry climates. It is also used in pollinator gardens due to its attractiveness to butterflies. In cultivation, it requires full sun exposure and prefers fast-draining sandy or loamy soils. It is a low-maintenance plant that needs minimal water once established, reflecting its adaptation to arid conditions. Gardeners should be aware that, like other milkweeds, it contains toxic compounds that can be harmful if ingested by humans or animals.CC BY-SA 4.0