Whorled Milkweed
(Asclepias verticillata)
Whorled Milkweed (Asclepias verticillata)
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Joshua Mayer
CC BY-SA 2.0
Image By:
Joshua Mayer
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Copyright:
CC BY-SA 2.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Joshua Mayer | License Type: CC BY-SA 2.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/ | Uploader: wackybadger | Publisher: Flickr |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Asclepias verticillata, commonly known as whorled milkweed, eastern whorled milkweed, or horsetail milkweed, is a perennial herb that is native to a wide range of habitats in eastern and central North America, including glades, dry prairies, and open woodlands, as well as disturbed areas such as pastures, fields, and roadsides. It is also found in parts of western Canada and the United States. This species typically grows to a height of 6 inches to 3 feet tall and features a single stem. The leaves are narrow and linear, arranged in whorls around the stem, which is the origin of its specific epithet ’verticillata’. From June to September, it produces an umbel of 7–20 fragrant, greenish-white flowers that are attractive to a variety of pollinators, especially butterflies.
Whorled milkweed is valued for its ability to attract and support butterflies, including the monarch butterfly, which uses milkweed as a host plant for its larvae. It is often used in native plant gardens, butterfly gardens, and restoration projects. This milkweed is relatively low maintenance, tolerating drought and poor soil conditions. It prefers full sun to part shade and can adapt to soils with slow drainage. While it is not aggressive, it can spread through rhizomes and self-seeding, which should be considered when planting in small garden spaces.CC BY-SA 4.0
Whorled milkweed is valued for its ability to attract and support butterflies, including the monarch butterfly, which uses milkweed as a host plant for its larvae. It is often used in native plant gardens, butterfly gardens, and restoration projects. This milkweed is relatively low maintenance, tolerating drought and poor soil conditions. It prefers full sun to part shade and can adapt to soils with slow drainage. While it is not aggressive, it can spread through rhizomes and self-seeding, which should be considered when planting in small garden spaces.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 1-2.5 feet
- Width: 1-2 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Green, White
- Flowering Season: Summer, Fall
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Low, Medium
- Drainage: Slow
Common Uses
Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Erosion Control, Fragrant, Groundcover, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Street Planting
Natural Habitat
Native to glades, dry prairies, open woodlands, pastures, fields, roadsides, and parts of western Canada and the United States
Other Names
Common Names: Horsetail Milkweed, Eastern Whorled Milkweed, Asclépiade Verticillée
Scientific Names: , Asclepias verticillata, Asclepias galioides, Asclepias parviflora, Asclepias verticillata var. galioides, Asclepias verticillata var. leptophylla,
GBIF Accepted Name: Asclepias verticillata L.