Milkweed Family, Apocynaceae, (formerly Asclepiadaceae)

Photo of a Desert Milkweed, Asclepias erosa, with large green leaves
Desert Milkweed, Asclepias erosa

Plants of the milkweed family are popular in the gardens of desert homes, especially with people who want to attract Monarch Butterflies. Desert hikers with an eye for butterflies and the colorful Milkweed Bug ofteh pause for a close look at Milkweed Family plants.

Milkweeds found in Anza-Borrego include Rush Milkweed or Ajamete (Asclepias sublata), White-Stemmed or Wax Milkweed (Asclepias albicans)), Desert Milkweed (Asclepias erosa), Climbing Milkweed (Sarcostemma cynanchoides hartwegii), and Trailing Townula (Sarcostemma hirtellum).