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Asclepias quadrifolia (Fourleaf Milkweed)

Fourleaf Milkweed, Four-Leaved Milkweed, Whorled Milkweed

Asclepias quadrifolia, Fourleaf Milkweed, Four-Leaved Milkweed, Whorled Milkweed, Prairie Perennial
Asclepias quadrifolia, Fourleaf Milkweed, Four-Leaved Milkweed, Whorled Milkweed, Prairie Perennial

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 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 belong to the Apocynaceae family, which includes other flowering plants such as oleander, hoya, plumeria, and the desert rose.

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.
  • Got questions about milkweed? We have the answers!

Grow Milkweed, Save Monarch Butterflies: A Step-by-Step Guide


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

Requirements

Hardiness 5 - 8
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Apocynaceae
Genus Asclepias
Common names Whorled Milkweed, Milkweed
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" (50cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low, Average
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Dried Arrangements, Fragrant, Showy
Native Plants United States, New York, New Jersey, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Rhode Island, Maryland, Delaware, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Southeast, Southwest, Midwest, Northeast, Indiana, Iowa, Ohio, Missouri, Illinois, Minnesota, Kansas, South Carolina, West Virginia, Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina, Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Oklahoma
Tolerance Drought, Deer, Dry Soil, Clay Soil
Attracts Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds And Borders
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow, Gravel and Rock Garden
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Do I Need?
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Asclepias (Milkweed)
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Asclepias eriocarpa (Woollypod Milkweed)
Asclepias subulata (Rush Milkweed)
Asclepias perennis (Aquatic Milkweed)
Asclepias cordifolia (Heartleaf Milkweed)
Asclepias linaria (Pine-Needle Milkweed)
Asclepias purpurascens (Purple Milkweed)

Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens

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Grow Milkweed, Save Monarch Butterflies: A Step-by-Step Guide
Asclepias (Milkweed)
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Save Monarch Butterflies with these Milkweed Plants
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.
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Requirements

Hardiness 5 - 8
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Apocynaceae
Genus Asclepias
Common names Whorled Milkweed, Milkweed
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" (50cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low, Average
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Dried Arrangements, Fragrant, Showy
Native Plants United States, New York, New Jersey, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Rhode Island, Maryland, Delaware, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Southeast, Southwest, Midwest, Northeast, Indiana, Iowa, Ohio, Missouri, Illinois, Minnesota, Kansas, South Carolina, West Virginia, Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina, Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Oklahoma
Tolerance Drought, Deer, Dry Soil, Clay Soil
Attracts Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds And Borders
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow, Gravel and Rock Garden
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Asclepias (Milkweed)
Not sure which Asclepias (Milkweed) to pick?
Compare Now

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