Asclepias verticillata (Whorled Milkweed)

Handsome and tough, Asclepias verticillata (Whorled Milkweed) is an upright, unbranched perennial with whorls of long, finely textured, needle-like leaves, 2-3 in. long (5-7 cm), along the length of the stems. From late spring to fall, small clusters of 3-20 fragrant, creamy-white flowers are borne in the upper leaf axils and stem tips. They perfume a wide area and are a great nectar source for butterflies and hummingbirds. The blossoms give way to smooth seed pods in the fall, which persist into winter. Seed pods are valued in dried flower arrangements. Native to most of the United States and southern Canada, this perennial wildflower is best in a natural landscape, growing between shorter prairie grasses.

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 12-24 in. wide (30-60 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. Perfect for the sunny dry garden.
• No serious pest or disease issues. Deer resistant
• Plant seeds outside in the fall. Seedlings will germinate immediately but may not flower until the second year.
• All parts of this plant are poisonous to livestock.
• Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.
• Native to North America from open areas of Massachusetts, southern Ontario west to the Canadian prairies and south through Texas, Mexico, and Florida.