Desert Milkweed

Rush or Desert Milkweed (asclepias subulata)

Tall, leafless milkweed with white-green flowers.

Ecology: Larval host for monarchs; supports diverse pollinators.

Fast Facts

  • Monarch and queen butterflies (and other lepidopterans) use it as a larval host; flowers supply nectar for a suite of pollinators.

  • Tall, leafless stems in summer provide vertical structure for pollinators and nesting insects; seed pods feed birds and small mammals.

  • Important native milkweed adapted to extreme heat — helps sustain butterfly lifecycles in arid sites.

PUBLIC NOTICE

*****Liberty Wildlife Cannot Take Ducks, Geese or Lovebirds at this time *****

Liberty Wildlife is following proper protocols and taking precautions to prevent the spread of the avian flu in our facility and the community. Currently, we have been advised to not take any waterfowl (ducks or geese) to help minimize exposure to other animals. All waterfowl that are sick/injured should be transported to our partner Veterinary Emergency Group (VEG).

Veterinary Emergency Group
7210 W Ray Rd                              2196 E Camelback
Chandler, AZ 85226                     Phoenix, AZ 85016
(I-10 & Ray Rd)                             (Biltmore Area)

You can also call East Valley Wildlife to ask their current availability for ducks/geese: 480-814-9339

Crystal’s Critter Haven is another resource: Text  480-220-6930 with a picture of the animal and cross-streets

We also have been advised to not take in lovebirds anymore. Please try any of the groups above. Thank you for understanding.

Native American Wildlife Celebration VEG website VEG map

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