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Asclepias linaria 'Monarch Magnet' (Pine-leaf Milkweed) - This is a compact subshrub that grows to 2-3 feet tall by as wide with many erect thin stems densely covered with soft narrow 1- to 2-inch-long leaves that look like soft pine needles. From late winter through fall appear the small and lightly fragrant bright white flowers in umbels clustered near the branch tips. The flowers are followed by a tear-shaped seed follicle that opens to release the white plumed seed.
Plant in full sun in a well-drained soil (tolerates alkalinity) and water infrequently to occasionally. This drought tolerant plant is able to thrive in the desert, even with reflected heat. To our knowledge this plant has not been grown much along the coast and we do not know how it will handle our cooler conditions but we are willing to give it a try! It will remain evergreen when cold temperatures are above 25°F and is stem hardy to around 15° F. The fine foliage is attractive, and contrasts well set near other plants in the waterwise landscape. The leaves and flowers are also an important food source for the Queen and Monarch butterfly larvae and the nectar of the flower is attractive to the adults and other insects.
Asclepias linaria is an uncommon plant found in the deserts of Arizona, New Mexico and south to central Mexico from 1,500 to 6,000 feet in elevation. It is commonly listed in references as a native to California, but it has never been documented growing naturally in the state and the closest collections in Arizona are southwest of Tucson and about 100 miles east of the California state line. The name for the genus was one that Carl Linnaeus ascribed after Asclepius (Asklepios), the Greek god of medicine and healing because of the many folk-medicinal uses for the milkweed plants. The specific epithet is from the Latin word 'linum' meaning "flax", in reference to this species' narrow flax-like leaves. Pine-leaf Milkweed is also commonly called Pine-needle Milkweed and in Mexico it is called Hierba del Cuervo, Yerba de Cuervo and Talayote. This selection was made by Civano Growers in Tucson, Arizona for its attractive compact habit and we thank them for allowing us to trial this plant and for the use of their pictures of it.
This information about Asclepias linaria 'Monarch Magnet' PPAF displayed is based on research conducted in our horticultural library and from reliable online resources. We also will relate observations made about it as it grows in our nursery gardens and other gardens we have visited, as well how the crops have performed in containers in our nursery field. We will also incorporate comments that we receive from others and we welcome hearing from anyone with additional information, particularly if they can share any cultural information that would aid others in growing it.
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