Whorled Milkweed, Eastern Whorled Milkweed
Asclepias verticillata, commonly known as Whorled Milkweed, is a slender, perennial wildflower native to North America. Recognized for its delicate white flowers and whorled, narrow leaves, this drought-tolerant plant thrives in dry soils and supports pollinators like monarch butterflies.
Milkweed plants belong to the Apocynaceae family, which also includes oleander, hoya, plumeria, and the desert rose. These plants play an essential role in supporting biodiversity and pollinators.
Tough and elegant, Whorled Milkweed is an upright, unbranched perennial wildflower adorned with delicate, needle-like leaves arranged in whorls along its slender stems. From late spring to fall, clusters of 3-20 fragrant, creamy-white flowers bloom at the upper leaf axils and stem tips, perfuming the air and attracting butterflies and hummingbirds. These blossoms give way to smooth seed pods in fall, which persist into winter and are prized for dried flower arrangements. Resilient and adaptable, Whorled Milkweed thrives in dry soils, making it a valuable addition to pollinator-friendly gardens and naturalized landscapes.
Whorled Milkweed is native to North America, thriving in open habitats from Massachusetts and southern Ontario westward to the Canadian prairies and extending south through Texas, Mexico, and Florida. It flourishes in meadows, grasslands, roadsides, and open woodlands, adapting to a wide range of conditions across its extensive native range.
Unlike Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata), which prefers moist conditions, Whorled Milkweed is drought-tolerant and thrives in infertile, well-drained soils.
Whorled Milkweed will self-seed and spread by rhizomes in the landscape without being invasive.
These blossoms give way to smooth, narrow seed pods in fall, which split open to release silky, wind-dispersed seeds. The seed pods persist into winter, adding seasonal interest, and are valued for dried flower arrangements.
Whorled Milkweed is a resilient perennial that thrives in USDA Zones 4-9. It is extremely hardy, tolerating freezing temperatures and reliably returning each spring. With its ability to thrive in diverse climates, Whorled Milkweed is an excellent choice for wildflower gardens, prairies, and naturalized landscapes, where it contributes to biodiversity and supports pollinators.
Whorled Milkweed is an excellent choice for gardeners looking to create pollinator-friendly, drought-tolerant landscapes while adding seasonal beauty and ecological value.
Whorled Milkweed is a vital plant for pollinators, serving as a host for monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) caterpillars. Its fragrant, nectar-rich flowers attract various butterflies, native bees, moths, and hummingbirds. Additionally, it supports other milkweed specialists, such as the Milkweed Tussock Moth (Euchaetes egle).
By planting Whorled Milkweed, gardeners can contribute to pollinator conservation and enhance biodiversity in their landscapes.
Whorled Milkweed has low toxicity but contains cardiac glycosides and resinoids, which can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, and confusion if ingested in large amounts. Its milky sap may cause contact dermatitis and eye irritation. Toxic parts include flowers, fruits, leaves, roots, seeds, and stems. Harmful to humans, cats, dogs, and horses.
Monarch butterfly caterpillars store these toxins in their bodies, making them unpalatable to predators.
Whorled Milkweed is naturally resistant to deer and rabbits due to its bitter-tasting leaves.
Unlike Common Milkweed, which spreads aggressively through rhizomes, Whorled Milkweed remains clump-forming and does not take over garden spaces. However, it does self-seed freely if seed pods are not removed before they split.
Whorled Milkweed is a resilient, drought-tolerant perennial that supports pollinators, including monarch butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. Its fragrant, nectar-rich blooms provide vital food sources, while its fine-textured foliage adds beauty to natural landscapes. Easy to grow and deer-resistant, it thrives in tough conditions, making it an excellent choice for low-maintenance, wildlife-friendly gardens.
Milkweed: Is it Right for Your Garden? Pros and Cons Explained
Whorled Milkweed generally does not require fertilization, as it thrives in nutrient-poor soils. In overly fertile conditions, the plant may become leggy and produce fewer flowers. However, in particularly depleted soils, a light application of compost or a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring can enhance growth. Avoid excessive nitrogen, as it encourages foliage production at the expense of flowers.
Minimal pruning is needed for Whorled Milkweed. To maintain a tidy appearance, remove spent flower clusters after blooming to prevent excessive self-seeding. In late fall or early spring, cut back dried stems to encourage fresh growth. If the plant becomes too tall or leggy, trimming back by one-third in midseason can help promote a bushier habit.
Whorled Milkweed is highly winter-hardy and requires no special overwintering care in USDA zones 4-9. The plant naturally dies back to the ground in late fall, with its dried stems and seed pods persisting through winter. These dried structures provide shelter for beneficial insects and add seasonal interest to the landscape. In early spring, remove dead stems to allow new growth to emerge. In colder climates, a light layer of mulch can be applied to protect young plants, but mature specimens are fully capable of surviving winter conditions.
Whorled milkweed can be propagated through seeds to establish new plants in gardens or naturalized landscapes.
Hardiness |
4 - 9 |
---|---|
Plant Type | Perennials |
Plant Family | Apocynaceae |
Genus | Asclepias |
Common names | Milkweed, Whorled Milkweed |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest | Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall |
Height | 1' - 3' (30cm - 90cm) |
Spread | 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
Spacing | 18" - 24" (50cm - 60cm) |
Maintenance | Low |
Water Needs | Low |
Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Dried Arrangements, Showy |
Native Plants | United States, Delaware, New York, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Connecticut, Vermont, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Northeast, Rocky Mountains, Southwest, Southeast, Midwest, Wisconsin, Indiana, Kansas, Iowa, Ohio, Illinois, Minnesota, South Dakota, North Dakota, Nebraska, Missouri, Michigan, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Arkansas, Kentucky, West Virginia, Louisiana, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina, Mississippi, Virginia, Texas, Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Wyoming, Montana |
Tolerance | Drought, Deer, Dry Soil |
Attracts | Butterflies, Hummingbirds |
Garden Uses | Beds And Borders |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |
Hardiness |
4 - 9 |
---|---|
Plant Type | Perennials |
Plant Family | Apocynaceae |
Genus | Asclepias |
Common names | Milkweed, Whorled Milkweed |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest | Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall |
Height | 1' - 3' (30cm - 90cm) |
Spread | 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
Spacing | 18" - 24" (50cm - 60cm) |
Maintenance | Low |
Water Needs | Low |
Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Dried Arrangements, Showy |
Native Plants | United States, Delaware, New York, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Connecticut, Vermont, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Northeast, Rocky Mountains, Southwest, Southeast, Midwest, Wisconsin, Indiana, Kansas, Iowa, Ohio, Illinois, Minnesota, South Dakota, North Dakota, Nebraska, Missouri, Michigan, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Arkansas, Kentucky, West Virginia, Louisiana, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina, Mississippi, Virginia, Texas, Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Wyoming, Montana |
Tolerance | Drought, Deer, Dry Soil |
Attracts | Butterflies, Hummingbirds |
Garden Uses | Beds And Borders |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |
How many Asclepias verticillata (Whorled Milkweed) do I need for my garden?
Plant | Quantity | |
---|---|---|
Asclepias verticillata (Whorled Milkweed) | N/A | Buy Plants |
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Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
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