Whorled Milkweed

Whorled Milkweed is a North American native meadow plant and the primary host plant for the Monarch butterfly. Also known as Asclepias verticillata, this plant can be found in most of the Central and Southwestern United States. In addition to Monarch butterflies, many other beneficial insects, such as native bees and wasps, are attracted to this milkweed. It is a plant that adapts to many conditions and soil types and is the latest blooming of all the milkweeds, blooming from late July to October. 

The creamy white flowers of Whorled Milkweed are very fragrant and blend well in meadow plantings or naturalized plantings in a garden. The loose flowering heads and leggy shape make this plant blend in well with a cottage garden or pollinator bed in a kitchen garden. Whorled Milkweed is one of the more toxic milkweeds for livestock and should not be planted near open grazing areas.

Whorled Milkweed Care

Whorled Milkweed grows well in full sun to part sun and will tolerate a wide range of soils. The soil should be well drained but moist. Milkweed does not require high nutrition to grow well and will self-seed heavily in fertile soils. After this native plant is established, it is drought tolerant and will require little supplemental irrigation. Milkweed spreads mainly from underground rhizomes that extend from the main plant. Vigorous spreading can be kept in check by dividing and replanting it every 2-3 years. 

The spent flower heads can be deadheaded to keep self-seeding under control. The tiny seed is wind dispersed and can spread far from the mother plant. Clear away the previous season's top growth in early summer. Allowing it to remain in place over the winter will protect any Monarch eggs laid the previous season and shelter pupating larvae. 

Whorled Milkweed Spacing

Whorled Milkweed can be spaced 12 inches apart. This allows for good coverage of the ground and weed suppression while maintaining adequate air circulation.

Whorled Milkweed Information