Milkweed is a host plant that is very important to the development of Monarch Butterflies. The monarchs generally overwinter in the costal areas of Santa Cruz and Pacific Grove but some have been seen inland. A few years ago the rangers at Natural Bridges State Park gave me several seedlings to plant in Silicon Valley. They are doing very well here and they reseed prolifically. This month they are in full bloom with small white flowers that attract lots of bees. This variety is called asclepias fruticosa. The plant is about 5 feet tall.
Pumpkin: while not a CA native, this pumpkin plant has thrived and produced two very colorful fruit with a third fruit just starting. The variety is called "Funny Face" and is supposed to be good for cooking as well as decoration. The larger pumpkin is about 11" in diameter, the smaller one 8". The plant is covering an area of about 4 x 4 feet and would go further if not trimmed.
