Desert Milkweed

Desert milkweed forms a clump of numerous slender, erect, gray-green stems that arise from a woody base. This perennial can reach a height of 3 to 5 feet with a similar spread. Sparse linear leaves, 1 to 2 inches long and 1/16 to 1/8 wide develop on new growth but drop fairly quickly. Broken stems and leaves exude a milky latex containing rubber. Umbels of waxy pale yellow or cream flowers may bloom on stem tips any time from spring through fall. Typical of milkweeds, the seedpods of A. subulata develop to approximately 3 inches in length, releasing tufted seeds when ripe.