Asclepias verticillata, commonly known as Whorled Milkweed, is a native perennial plant found in prairies, meadows, and dry open fields throughout Illinois. It thrives in well-drained, sandy or loamy soils and prefers full sun.
This plant is characterized by its narrow, lance-shaped leaves, which are arranged in whorls around the stem. In mid to late summer, it produces clusters of small, white to pale greenish flowers that are highly attractive to pollinators, particularly bees and butterflies, including the monarch butterfly. Asclepias verticillata typically grows to a height of 1 to 2.5 feet, making it a more compact milkweed species compared to others.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Asclepias verticillata is an excellent choice for wildflower gardens, prairie restorations, or low-maintenance landscapes. It provides nectar for pollinators and supports the monarch butterfly, which relies on milkweed species for larval food. Additionally, its slender form and attractive flowers make it a great choice for naturalized landscapes, offering seasonal interest with minimal upkeep.
Asclepias verticillata, commonly known as Whorled Milkweed, is a native perennial plant found in prairies, meadows, and dry open fields throughout Illinois. It thrives in well-drained, sandy or loamy soils and prefers full sun.
This plant is characterized by its narrow, lance-shaped leaves, which are arranged in whorls around the stem. In mid to late summer, it produces clusters of small, white to pale greenish flowers that are highly attractive to pollinators, particularly bees and butterflies, including the monarch butterfly. Asclepias verticillata typically grows to a height of 1 to 2.5 feet, making it a more compact milkweed species compared to others.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Asclepias verticillata is an excellent choice for wildflower gardens, prairie restorations, or low-maintenance landscapes. It provides nectar for pollinators and supports the monarch butterfly, which relies on milkweed species for larval food. Additionally, its slender form and attractive flowers make it a great choice for naturalized landscapes, offering seasonal interest with minimal upkeep.
Bloom: early to late summer
Habitats: bluegrass meadows; grassy slopes along highways; gravel prairies; hill prairies; limestone glades; openings in rocky upland forests; pastures and abandoned fields; rocky bluffs along major rivers; sand prairies; sandy savannas; upland prairies; waste areas
Lifespan: perennial
Moisture: mesic to dry
Plant type (height): forb (1 to 2.5 feet)
Requirements: full sun
Soil: clay-loam; gravel; loam; sand
