Texana Milkweed (White Milkweed)

Asclepias texana

Characteristics

Culture

Texana Milkweed is easily grown in average, dry to medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun. It is a drought tolerant plant. Easily grown from seed; and will self-seed in the landscape if seed pods are not removed prior to splitting open.

Native Habitat includes the Edwards Plateau and Chihuahuan desert region of Texas. Also seen at woodlands’ edge, ditches, ravines, depressions, stream, and river banks. Minimal maintenance is required for Texana Milkweed, but avoid over-watering and fertilizing as these plants thrive in nutrient-poor soils.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Texana Milkweed (Asclepias texana) or White Milkweed is a rare and unique species of milkweed found primarily in Texas, USA.  Known for its ecological significance, it provides a critical habitat and food source for pollinators, especially monarch butterflies, which rely on milkweed species as a host plant for their larvae. 

Stems are erect. The leaves are lance-shape to broadly oval. Small, white flowers are clustered at the end of stems. The fruit is a pod containing an abundance of seeds that are attached to feathery filaments.  Avoid using pesticides or herbicides near milkweed, as these can harm monarchs and other pollinators. Drought tolerant once established. Water sparingly, mimicking natural rainfall patterns of its native regions.

From the Native Plant Society of Texas: Although still listed by some in the Asclepiadaceae Family, the majority of botanical organizations now list Texana Milkweed in the Apocynaceae Family.

Problems

No serious insect or disease problems.  All plants in the genus Asclepias are probably somewhat toxic to both humans and animals. The sap of some causes skin irritation in humans. Sensitivity to a toxin varies with a person’s age, weight, physical condition, and individual susceptibility.

Garden Uses

Butterfly gardens, meadows, prairies, or naturalized/native plant areas. Borders.