Rush Milkweed (Asclepias subulata) is in the Dogbane Family family (Apocynaceae). Across the U.S., iNaturalist users have logged 1,052 research-grade flowering observations of it in our sample, peaking in December.
Nationally it blooms mainly from October to January, but timing varies a lot by state and elevation — see the table below.
When to photograph Rush Milkweed: observations by month (U.S.)
About Rush Milkweed
Asclepias subulata is a species of milkweed known commonly as the rush milkweed, desert milkweed or ajamete. This is an erect perennial herb which loses its leaves early in the season and stands as a cluster of naked stalks. Atop the stems are inflorescences of distinctive flowers. Each cream-white flower has a reflexed corolla that reveals the inner parts, a network of five shiny columns, each topped with a tiny hook. The fruit is a pouchlike...From Wikipedia via iNaturalist — article, CC BY-SA.
Rush Milkweed by state
| State | Observations | Peak month | Main season |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 773 | December | Oct–Jan |
| Nevada | 206 | May | Apr–May |
| Arizona | 73 | April | Apr–May |
Main season = months with at least 30% of the state's peak-month count.
Related wildflowers (Dogbane Family)
Butterfly Milkweed
Common Milkweed
Lesser Periwinkle
Swamp Milkweed
Showy Milkweed
Green Antelopehorns
Narrowleaf Milkweed
Spreading Dogbane
Photography tips
- Photograph flowers on calm, overcast mornings to avoid wind blur and harsh shadows.
- Get low: a shallow depth of field (f/2.8–f/5.6) isolates a bloom against soft color.
- Stay on trails — trampling meadows kills plants and ruins next year's display.
- Try a kaleidoscope abstract of a single bloom with our online kaleidoscope tool.
FAQ
When is the best time to photograph Rush Milkweed?
Nationally, December has the most observations, with the main season from October to January.
Where is Rush Milkweed most often seen?
The most observations come from California, Nevada, Arizona.