Grow Native Milkweed for Monarchs

A rugged, drought-adapted species with broad, thick, pale-green leaves and clusters of yellowish-green flowers. Broadleaf Milkweed performs well in dry grasslands, rangelands, and open Southwestern landscapes.  Toxicity: Moderate to high — this species can poison livestock when consumed, particularly sheep and goats, and should not be planted where grazing animals have access.

Known for its brilliant orange flowers, Butterfly Milkweed is an attractive addition to pollinator gardens. In the Southwest, it is generally better suited to higher elevations and areas with more moderate temperatures than the hottest low deserts. Toxicity: Moderate — as with other milkweeds, it should be treated as potentially poisonous if consumed and kept away from livestock, pets, and children.

A native of dry regions of California, California Milkweed is well suited to native gardens within its natural range. It is a valuable choice for gardeners creating regional pollinator habitat.  Toxicity: Moderate — as with other milkweeds, it should be treated as potentially poisonous if consumed and kept away from livestock, pets, and children.

A spectacular desert specialist with tall, slender, nearly leafless green stems. Exceptionally adapted to intense desert heat, full sun, and limited water, it is an outstanding choice for low-water and xeriscape gardens. Toxicity: Moderate — as with other milkweeds, it should be treated as potentially poisonous if consumed and kept away from livestock, pets, and children.

A smaller-growing native milkweed found in portions of Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and surrounding areas. Its compact growth makes it useful for native plant gardens and smaller wildlife plantings. Toxicity: Moderate — as with other milkweeds, it should be treated as potentially poisonous if consumed and kept away from livestock, pets, and children.

A lesser-known Southwestern native associated with grasslands, open woodlands, and other relatively dry habitats. Toxicity: Moderate — as with other milkweeds, it should be treated as potentially poisonous if consumed and kept away from livestock, pets, and children.

Recognized by its narrow, needle-like leaves arranged in whorls around slender stems. It produces delicate clusters of pale flowers and is well adapted to dry grasslands and open landscapes.  Toxicity: High — this is one of the most toxic milkweeds of concern to Arizona livestock. All parts contain toxic cardiac glycosides, with particularly high concentrations in the milky sap, stems, and leaves. Keep livestock away from this plant.

A relatively small native milkweed associated with dry regions of the Southwest, including portions of Arizona, Nevada, and California. It is a good candidate for desert-native and wildlife gardens. Toxicity: Moderate — as with other milkweeds, it should be treated as potentially poisonous if consumed and kept away from livestock, pets, and children.

A Western native with slender leaves and clusters of pinkish, white, or lavender-tinged flowers. It is native to much of California and portions of Nevada and Utah and is well suited to dry Western landscapes within its natural range. Toxicity: Moderate — as with other milkweeds, it should be treated as potentially poisonous if consumed and kept away from livestock, pets, and children.

Nodding Milkweed (Asclepias glaucescens)

A native Southwestern species with attractive foliage and clusters of flowers that provide nectar for a variety of pollinators. It occurs in portions of Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. Toxicity: Moderate — as with other milkweeds, it should be treated as potentially poisonous if consumed and kept away from livestock, pets, and children.

Pine-Needle Milkweed (Asclepias linaria)

Pine-Needle Milkweed is a distinctive Arizona native with extremely narrow, needle-like leaves that give the plant a fine, airy appearance. It is well adapted to dry, sunny Southwestern conditions and makes an interesting addition to a desert pollinator garden. Toxicity: Moderate — as with other milkweeds, it should be treated as potentially poisonous if consumed and kept away from livestock, pets, and children.

Showy Milkweed (Asclepias speciosa)

A beautiful Western native with large, fragrant clusters of pink to rose-colored flowers. In the Southwest, it is generally best suited to higher, cooler elevations and areas with more available moisture rather than the hottest low-desert environments. Toxicity: Moderate — as with other milkweeds, it should be treated as potentially poisonous if consumed and kept away from livestock, pets, and children.

Woollypod Milkweed (Asclepias eriocarpa)

Native primarily to California, Woollypod Milkweed is adapted to dry Western and interior California conditions. Its distinctive seed pods have a characteristic woolly appearance. Toxicity: Moderate — as with other milkweeds, it should be treated as potentially poisonous if consumed and kept away from livestock, pets, and children.

Why Native Milkweed Matters

Milkweed is essential to monarch butterflies because it serves as the host plant for monarch caterpillars. Without milkweed, monarchs cannot complete their life cycle. Planting native species appropriate for your region can help create valuable habitat across the Southwest and contribute to the network of resources needed by Western Monarch populations.

Native milkweeds also provide nectar and habitat for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. At the same time, their natural adaptation to Southwestern conditions makes them valuable components of water-wise landscapes. Instead of relying on thirsty ornamental plants, gardeners can use native milkweeds alongside other drought-tolerant natives to create colorful, wildlife-friendly gardens with lower long-term water needs.

Beautiful Plants That Don't Need Much Water

The Southwest's limited water resources make thoughtful plant selection more important than ever. Native milkweeds offer an opportunity to combine wildlife habitat, desert beauty, and water conservation in one planting. Once established in the right location, many species can thrive with rainfall and limited supplemental irrigation.

For the best results, choose milkweed species that naturally occur in your area and match the plant to your elevation, soil, sunlight, and moisture conditions. Proper plant selection helps reduce watering needs while giving monarchs and other pollinators valuable habitat.

Choose Native Milkweed Over Tropical Milkweed

Tropical Milkweed (Asclepias curassavica) is commonly sold because it grows quickly and produces attractive flowers, but it is not native to the Southwest. In warm climates where it remains green through winter, it can provide conditions that allow the monarch parasite Ophryocystis elektroscirrha (OE) to persist on plants. Native milkweeds are better adapted to the seasonal cycles of the region and generally become dormant or die back, helping interrupt continuous parasite transmission.

For gardeners who want to make a difference, the goal isn't simply to plant any milkweed—it's to plant the right native milkweed for your location. Choose locally appropriate species, give them the conditions they prefer, and enjoy a landscape that is both monarch-friendly and water-wise.

Plant Native. Save Water. Grow Milkweed. Help Western Monarchs Thrive.