How to identify Narrowleaf milkweed (Asclepias fascicularis)

How to identify Narrowleaf milkweed (Asclepias fascicularis)

Narrowleaf milkweed, also known as Mexican milkweed, Narrow-leaf milkweed

Narrowleaf milkweed is a perennial that stands 2 to 3 feet tall (60 to 91 cm) with a similar width, characterized by its narrow, mid-green leaves that are around 5 inches (13 cm) in length, arranged in clusters known as fascicles. It blooms with rose-pink flowers grouped in 2-inch-wide (5 cm) clusters during summer. After flowering, it enters a dormant phase, re-emerging in mid-spring. Physically, it's built to survive dry conditions and can adapt to various soil types.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Herb

Leaf Type: Evergreen, Deciduous

Quickly Identify Narrowleaf milkweed

Perennial reaching 2-3 feet, with narrow mid-green leaves in fascicles.

Rose-pink flowers in 2-inch clusters bloom during summer.

Dormant in winter, re-emerges in mid-spring to survive dry conditions.

Adaptable to various soil types, stands 60-91 cm tall and wide.

Narrowleaf milkweed and Their Similar Plants

Common milkweed vs. Narrowleaf milkweed: What's The Difference?

Asclepias syriaca, commonly known as common milkweed, is a flowering perennial herbaceous plant native to North America. It contains milky latex which can be toxic to sheep, cows, and other larger mammals (including humans) if it is consumed in large amounts. Many insect species are attracted to common milkweed, most notably monarch butterflies.

Butterfly weed vs. Narrowleaf milkweed: What's The Difference?

While Asclepias tuberosa is commonly referred to as butterfly weed, it is also known as Canada root, Indian posy, silky swallow-wort, yellow milkweed, butterfly love, white-root and a variety of other names. Both Native Americans and pioneers would use the butterfly weed to make candle wicks.

Swamp milkweed vs. Narrowleaf milkweed: What's The Difference?

Swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) is a plant species native to Canada and the continental United States. Swamp milkweed attract butterflies with its nectar. Swamp milkweed gives off a subtle vanilla scent. The stems contain a poisonous milky sap.

Bloodflower vs. Narrowleaf milkweed: What's The Difference?

If you are looking to attract butterflies to your garden or yard, the bloodflower is one of the best ways to do it. This plant is known for its ability to attract butterflies with the yellow, red, and orange flowers that bloom on its tall stems in the summer and fall.

Showy milkweed vs. Narrowleaf milkweed: What's The Difference?

Though it is poisonous to dogs, cats, and horses, showy milkweed provides an extremely important food source to the monarch and other types of butterflies. It can be very invasive and in most areas is considered a weed. The fluffy "floss" from showy milkweed, however, has similar properties to goose down - it is now being cultivated as a cheaper alternative for jacket and sleeping-bag insulation.

Green milkweed vs. Narrowleaf milkweed: What's The Difference?

Green milkweed (Asclepias viridis) is a perennial herb native to the southeast and south-central U.S. The plant sports green flowers, and, like other milkweeds, produces a thick, milky white substance when cut. Milkweeds, green milkweed included, are the typical host plants of monarch butterflies, which lay their eggs on the plant's leaves.

Whorled Milkweed vs. Narrowleaf milkweed: What's The Difference?

The whorled Milkweed (Asclepias verticillata) is a perennial herb native to North America which, like other milkweeds, provides food for monarch caterpillars. This form of milkweed is among the most widely distributed varieties and serves as a crucial late-season host for monarch larvae. The Latin name, Asclepias verticillata, is an interpolation of the name of Asclepius, the Greek god of medicine.

Poke milkweed vs. Narrowleaf milkweed: What's The Difference?

Poke milkweed is found naturally in many woodlands and grows well in partial shade. Monarchs and rabbits alike enjoy feeding on its foliage. This plant is not invasive, but it is long-lived.

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Key Facts About Narrowleaf milkweed

Attributes of Narrowleaf milkweed

Spread

30 cm

Leaf Color

Green

Gray

Flower Size

10 cm to 12 cm

Flower Color

Pink

White

Purple

Fruit Color

Brown

Leaf type

Evergreen, Deciduous

The Toxicity of Narrowleaf milkweed

Highly Toxic to Humans

Toxic to Cats

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Scientific Classification of Narrowleaf milkweed

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Gentians, dogbanes, madders, and allies

Family

Dogbane

Genus

Milkweeds

Species

Narrowleaf milkweed (Asclepias fascicularis)

Learn More About the Narrowleaf milkweed

Distribution Map of Narrowleaf milkweed

Narrowleaf milkweed is a plant natively found in the Nearctic region. Its primary range encompasses major areas of North America. Over time, narrowleaf milkweed has spread to various locales within its native continent, flourishing in temperate zones where conditions are suitable for its growth, without records of it being introduced to other continents.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

Learn More About the Narrowleaf milkweed

A Comprehensive Guide to Narrowleaf milkweed How to Grow and Care for Narrowleaf milkweed