Whorled Milkweed, Asclepias verticillata

Whorled Milkweed is a native perennial wildflower found in the sandhills, thin woodlands, and barren outcroppings in all areas of NC and most of the US east of the Rockies.

The thin linear leaves are arranged in whorls along the stem and the white flowers appear in small clusters May to September. They are a favorite of bees and butterflies and the plant is a host to the monarch butterfly larvae.

Whorled Milkweed is easy to grow in average, moist to dry, well-drained soils and flowers best in full sun but will tolerate some shade. It is resistant to deer, drought and dry soils.

Use this plant in naturalized areas, pollinator gardens or meadows. It will spread by seed and rhizomes. Seed pods can be removed before self-seeding occurs and are sometimes used in dry flower arrangements.