07/31/2025
North Coast CNPS Nursery Plant of the Month
Ascelpias fascicularis, Narrowleaf Milkweed, is a flowering perennial that here on the north coast, provides for many beneficial creatures, including native bees and is a great addition to all local gardens.
Our chapter’s nursery, located at Freshwater Farms Reserve, currently has this plant available in 1-gallon size for $10. Check the website for hours the nursery is open @ https://northcoastcnpsnursery.org
Narrowleaf Milkweed has long, thin pointed leaves giving the plant a soft, wispy look. Its summer to fall flowers are held in umbels of a pale mauve color. They form at the top of 1 - 3 ft. tall slender stems that die back in winter to a perennial rootstock. Its wandering roots form small colonies. The fruits are smooth pods, which split open to spill seeds along with plentiful silky hairs that may carry the seeds through the air.
Drought tolerant, it prefers seasonally moist soils and likes moderate water in the garden. Plant in full sun to part shade.
Research says that it is unlikely to be bothered by deer. In my garden up Jacoby Creek Road, I have planted it in my front unfenced yard below a deck and the local deer have so far left it alone even as it is blooming away.
