Asclepias asperula

Asclepias asperula, commonly know as antelope horn due to the leaf and seedpod shape, is a widespread US native that can be found on dry sandy/gravelly soils from Oklahoma west to southern California. The plant forms a 2' tall x 3' wide clump, adorned from March into May (NC) with amazingly intricate 2" wide, dome-shaped flower heads composed of dozens of flowers with green petals and a central purple, green, and white star...a favorite of both Queen and Monarch butterflies. If you're fascinated with the amazing patterns found in nature, antelope horn milkweed is for you. Garden Maintenance: In the garden, it requires no maintenance as long as its growing in the proper conditions. Growing Conditions: Sunny, very dry and well-drained soils are the perfect habitat.Rich and heavily fertilized soils should be avoided. Garden Value: We find this native milkweed to be a great textural addition to the dry garden. Unlike many milkweeds, which spread quite vigorously, this one remains a tight clump. Natural Impact: As with all milkweeds, they are great hosts for butterflies, particularly the well-loved monarchs.