Refreshing white flowers and very narrow whorled leaves give whorled milkweed (Asclepias verticillata) a delicate appeal in the landscape. But don’t let its looks fool you. It’s a powerful pollinator plant with clusters of flowers boasting a sweet fragrance and rich nectar. Narrow seed pods emerge in fall and release silky seeds, which means they may spread a bit in your garden. We never mind a few extra flowers to support pollinators.
Milkweeds, including whorled milkweed, are essential for the Monarch lifecycle. Their relationship includes more than just swapping nectar for pollination. Caterpillars exclusively feed on their leaves, which are filled with cardenolides. Cardenolides are stored in the bodies of Monarch caterpillars and butterflies as a defense against predators. Without Milkweed, we wouldn’t have Monarchs!
Vital Details:
Plant Size: 1 – 2.5′ tall x 1 – 2′ wide at maturity.
Light: Full sun (6+ hrs/day).
Water: Average to dry.
Hardiness: USDA zone 4-9 (Find your hardiness zone)
Pollinator Value: attracts butterflies, hummingbirds, bees, and pollinating insects.
Host Plant To The Following: Monarch butterfly, Queen butterfly, Soldier butterfly.
Notable Features: fragrant, great cut flowers, long-blooming, deer resistant, multiple seasons of interest, low maintenance.
Pot size: One quart
Plant name: Asclepias verticillata