Description

Heart leaf milkweed grows in mountainous regions throughout much of California. The waxy, lanceolate foliage are rounded and clasping at the base, forming the heart shape for which the plant is named. The stems are generally upright to about three feet tall and will expand from year to year as the plant becomes established. Some sun protection is both tolerated and appreciated, though full sun is also acceptable. The sunnier the setting, the more waxy the leaves become. Rocky, well-draining soil is preferred. The flower is an exceptional purple or magenta. Heart leaf milkweed is an important larval food source for Monarch butterflies.