Summary
Whorled milkweed (Asclepias verticillata) is an attractive 1-2’ tall perennial with clusters of 10-20 small, greenish-white flowers in the axils of the upper leaves. It is distinguished from other milkweeds by its smooth, needle-like, whorled leaves arranged on a generally unbranched stem. Whorled milkweed prefers full sun and handles dry, infertile soil well. It will grow in richer soils under more moist conditions but spreads quickly by rhizomes, so is best used where colonies are desired. The seedpods are ornamental when they open, releasing seeds attached to numerous silky white hairs. Some companions for this early to mid summer bloomer include pale purple coneflower (Echinacea pallida), black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia fulgida), slender goldentop (Euthamia caroliniana), and broomsedge bluestem (Andropogon virginicus). Zones 4-9.
More Details
- Sun/Shade Conditions
full-sun - Foliage Character
deciduous - Soil Moisture
average, moist - Flowering Period
late-summer, mid-summer - Soil PH
adaptable - Flower Color
white - Summer Foliage Color
green - Fall Foliage Color
green - Fruit/Seed Color
tan