California is one of the most diverse ... Importantly, once established, 'milkweed can tolerate periods of drought.' 'It is an important host plant for the iconic monarch butterfly,' Terry says.

Extreme drought expanded into parts of Los Angeles County as a dry start to the wet season continues in fire-prone Southern California, according to this week's U.S. Drought Monitor report.

According to the Xerces Society, California native milkweeds include ... showy milkweed (asclepias speciosa) 2 Plant your milkweed, which is drought tolerant and requires minimal care, in the ...