Whorled Milkweed
Common Names
Whorled Milkweed
Latin Name
Asclepias verticillata
Family
Whorled milkweed is in the Apocynaceae, or dogbane, Family.
Form
A perennial native wildflower that grows to a height of about 15 inches.
Leaves
Whorled milkweed leaves are linear to lanceolate and appear on the stem in whorls. The margins are entire.
Flowers
The flowers are pale greenish white and appear in the spring and summer. When they first come out they have a pinkish tint to them.
Habitat
Whorled milkweed is found occurring naturally in sandhills, pine flatwoods and disturbed sites..
Native Range
Whorled milkweed is native to the following states: AL, AR, AZ, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NJ, NM, NY, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VA, VT, WI, WV, and WY.
Landscape Use
Whorled milkweed grows in full sun to part shade with average to dry soils and is drought tolerant once established.
Wildlife Use
The flowers are a source of nectar for many insects including flies and wasps.
Whorled milkweed is a native host plant for the soldier, Monarch and queen butterflies.
Propagation
Can be grown easily from seed. There is some success with cuttings, and transplanting larger plants.