Desert Milkweed

Asclepias subulata (Rush milkweed) is found in the Mojave Desert and thrives in very low and harsh water conditions. This plant is an important food source for Monarch and Queen butterflies. 

The flowers of this plant contains nectar that many insects love, including a very large wasp called a tarantula hawk. Visitors that come in to scope up the nectar often include all types of butterflies, bees, wasps, and even hummingbirds! 

Native people use milkweed as an important fiber source to “tie their world” together. With the fibers they could make clothing, nets, textiles, etc. The milky sap that oozes from the leaves if broken are used as medicine as an antiseptic and a healing agent for cuts and scrapes. The sap can also be chewed as a gum.