Alphabetical Plant Listing

Asclepias quadrifolia (Fourleaf Milkweed)

Fourleaf Milkweed, Four-Leaved Milkweed, Whorled Milkweed


Asclepias quadrifolia (Fourleaf Milkweed) is an upright, single-stemmed perennial clad with a distinctive whorl of four symmetrical, egg-shaped leaves, 2-6 in. long (5-15 cm), along the stem. From late spring to midsummer, tiny, fragrant, white to pinkish flowers open from rosy buds. They are held in charming, up-facing pendant umbels atop the plant's stem. The blossoms are a great nectar source for butterflies and pollinators. They give way to smooth, narrow seed pods in the fall that are valued in dried flower arrangements. Native to the eastern United States and Canada, this perennial wildflower adds interest in the woodland garden, cottage garden or rock garden.

Milkweed plants are critical to monarch butterflies' survival, whose population in North America has plummeted by 90% in the last 20 years. By planting milkweed in your own garden, you can help reverse the fortune of these beautiful insects!

  • Grows up to 12-30 in. tall (30-75 cm) and 12-18 in. wide (30-45 cm). Will self-seed and spread by rhizomes in the landscape without being invasive.
  • Thrives in full sun or part shade in average, dry to medium moisture, well-drained soils. Drought tolerant once established.
  • A vital ingredient of butterfly gardens, meadows or prairies, cottage gardens, rock gardens, or mixed borders.
  • No serious pest or disease issues. Deer resistant
  • Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.
  • Native to the eastern United States and Canada.

Milkweed: How To Grow and Care with Success

By providing the right growing conditions, you can enjoy healthy and vibrant milkweed in your garden while supporting pollinator populations.Read More

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Requirements

Hardiness 5 – 8
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Asclepias
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early,Mid)
Height 1' – 3' (30cm – 90cm)
Spread 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm)
Spacing 18" (45cm)
Water Needs Low, Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Dried Arrangements, Fragrant, Showy
Native Plants United States, Midwest, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, Northeast, Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Southeast, Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Southwest, Oklahoma
Tolerance Clay Soil, Deer, Drought, Dry Soil
Attracts Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds and Borders
Garden Styles Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow

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Doug McGrady, Flickr

While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.


Requirements

Hardiness 5 – 8
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Asclepias
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early,Mid)
Height 1' – 3' (30cm – 90cm)
Spread 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm)
Spacing 18" (45cm)
Water Needs Low, Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Dried Arrangements, Fragrant, Showy
Native Plants United States, Midwest, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, Northeast, Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Southeast, Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Southwest, Oklahoma
Tolerance Clay Soil, Deer, Drought, Dry Soil
Attracts Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds and Borders
Garden Styles Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow

Great Plant Combination Ideas with Asclepias

Guides with Asclepias

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