Alphabetical Plant Listing

Asclepias verticillata (Whorled Milkweed)

Whorled Milkweed, Eastern 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.

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 4 – 9
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Asclepias
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" (45cm – 60cm)
Water Needs Low
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Dried Arrangements, Showy
Native Plants United States, Midwest, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Northeast, Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Rocky Mountains, Montana, Wyoming, Southeast, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Southwest, Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas
Tolerance Deer, Drought, Dry Soil
Attracts Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds and Borders
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow

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Doug McGrady, Justin Meissen, Joshua Meyer, 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 4 – 9
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Asclepias
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" (45cm – 60cm)
Water Needs Low
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Dried Arrangements, Showy
Native Plants United States, Midwest, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Northeast, Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Rocky Mountains, Montana, Wyoming, Southeast, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Southwest, Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas
Tolerance Deer, Drought, Dry Soil
Attracts Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds and Borders
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow

Great Plant Combination Ideas with Asclepias

Guides with Asclepias

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