Photo by Gary Kurtz
Whorled Milkweed (Asclepias verticillata) is a resilient perennial wildflower native to much of North America, particularly thriving east of the Rocky Mountains. This plant typically reaches heights of 1-3 feet, with slender, erect stems adorned with narrow, linear leaves arranged in whorls. The leaves are about 1-3 inches long and less than a quarter-inch wide. From July to September, Whorled Milkweed produces clusters of small, white flowers, each about a quarter-inch across. These flowers are highly attractive to pollinators, including bees and butterflies, and play a crucial role in supporting Monarch butterfly larvae. Whorled Milkweed is adaptable to various soil types, including loam, sandy loam, silt, clay loam, and rocky soils, and it thrives in full sun to partial shade with dry to medium moisture conditions. Its resilience extends to being deer-resistant and drought-tolerant, making it an excellent choice for naturalized areas, pollinator gardens, or meadows. (SF)