Antelope Horn Milkweed 10 Seeds Asclepias asperula

Asclepias asperula, commonly known as the antelope horn milkweed, is a curious wildflower native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, where it flourishes in dry, open habitats such as prairies, desert grasslands, and roadsides. This drought-tolerant perennial belongs to the milkweed family and is easily recognized by its sprawling, low-growing form and uniquely shaped flower clusters. Its thick, narrow leaves are often folded or wavy, and its stems lie close to the ground, sometimes spreading several feet. The most distinctive feature of Asclepias asperula is its ornate, spherical flower heads, which bloom from spring to early summer. Each cluster is composed of greenish-yellow petals and a crown of purple or maroon hoods and horns, giving the flower an intricate, almost otherworldly appearance. These vibrant blossoms are not only visually captivating but also biologically important, attracting a wide range of pollinators including bees, wasps, and especially butterflies. Monarch butterflies are particularly drawn to this species, as it serves as both a nectar source and a vital larval host plant. Its seedpods are long, pointed, and filled with tufted seeds that disperse on the wind, ensuring the plant's spread across suitable landscapes. Admired for its resilience, ecological value, and unusual beauty, Asclepias asperula has become an increasingly popular choice for native plant gardens, pollinator habitats, and wildflower restoration projects throughout the arid American Southwest.