Description
Whorled Milkweed (Asclepias verticillata) is a fine-textured native prairie plant with very narrow, threadlike leaves that grow in whorls along the stems, giving it a soft, airy look that mixes easily into grasses and wildflowers. It may look delicate, but it’s a tough plant that handles dry conditions well.
In mid to late summer, clusters of small white to greenish-white flowers form near the tops of the stems, usually blooming from July through September—later than many other milkweeds. The flowers draw in all kinds of pollinators, including bees, wasps, flies, butterflies, and more. Like all milkweeds, it also serves as a host plant for monarch butterflies.
Whorled Milkweed grows best in full sun and prefers well-drained soils, including sandy or rocky sites. It’s drought-tolerant once established and spreads by rhizomes, slowly forming colonies over time. Plants typically reach around 2 feet tall and are deer- and rabbit-resistant, making them a dependable choice for prairie plantings, pollinator gardens, and naturalized areas.
Other milkweeds available include Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa), Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata), Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca), and Prairie Milkweed (Asclepias sullivantii), each offering different heights, colors, and moisture preferences for a range of planting conditions.
