Asclepias verticillata (Whorled Milkweed)

Asclepias verticillata is commonly known as Whorled Milkweed, a delicate, slender, fine-textured milkweed for dry and sunny areas. It is endemic to dry prairies and open woodlands. Its narrow, whorled leaves and slender form give it a soft, grass-like appearance that blends well in naturalistic grassy and low plantings.

In summer and early fall, whorled milkweed produces small clusters of fragrant creamy white flowers, attracting more pollinators than its size would suggest. It is among the latest (and long duration) milkweeds to bloom in our region, extending nectar availability well into the summer growing season.

Whorled milkweed is one of the host plants for the Monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus). Whorled milkweed also supports other milkweed specialist insects such as the milkweed tussock moth (Euchaetes egle) and large milkweed bug (Oncopeltus fasciatus).

Its unique flowers are a rich source of nectar for native bees, wasps, beetles, and butterflies. It is a slow rhizomatous spreader, forming a dense colony over time, especially in loose, lean soils. Because of its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in poor areas, whorled milkweed is well-suited to plantings in dry habitats, pollinator meadows, difficult sites, and erosion-prone areas. It will not tolerate poor draining, water-retentive heavy organic or clay soils, and needs as much sun as it can get. It also does quite well in containers.

Consider planting with native grasses for dry and lean-soiled sites, such as Andropogon virginiana (Broomsedge), Andropogon ternarius (Splitbeard bluestem), Chasmanthium laxum (Slender spikegrass).  Perennials to consider include Eupatorium hyssoifolium (Hyssopleaf thoroughwort), Chrysopsis mariana (Maryland goldenaster), Opuntia humifusa (Eastern pricklypear cactus), and Liatris pilosa (Grass-leaf blazingstar).

Grower's Note: This species spreads slowly underground by rhizomes, not aggressively. Its spread is wider in looser, lean, sandy soils.