Desert Milkweed grows as a cluster of pencil-thick, bare stems of gray-green. This tough Sonoran Desert native is one of several Monarch attractive Milkweeds native to AZ, but it is the only one that occurs naturally in Maricopa County. Milkweeds derive their name from the milky sap which is toxic to people & animals, but not harmful to the butterfly larvae that rely on it. This is a dramatic, vertical accent plant that blooms creamy-white flowers in the summer, followed by characteristic puffy, paisley-shaped seed pods. Although they are primarily leafless stems, immature plants and new growth in the spring can produce narrow, bright green leaflets. (See photos) Easy to grow and adaptable. Will thrive in containers too.