Milkweed, Whorled (Asclepias verticillata)

Whorled Milkweed is a delicately eye-catching native perennial found across prairies, open woodlands, and dry meadows throughout much of North America. It prospers even in challenging sites and is appreciated for its resilience to heat, drought, and lean soils. Its fine, threadlike leaves grow in elegant whorls around slender stems, giving the plant a soft, airy appearance. In midseason, clusters of small, starry white flowers appear at the tips of the stems, their subtle fragrance drawing a surprising number of visiting pollinators despite the plant’s understated size. The blooms later develop into narrow pods filled with silky, wind-borne seeds that drift across the landscape in autumn, helping the plant find new ground.

Whorled Milkweed plays an important ecological role as a larval host plant for monarch butterflies, offering both food and habitat for the next generation. Its nectar-rich flowers support a wide range of native insects, from bees and wasps to beetles and butterflies, making it a valuable addition to wildlife-friendly gardens.