Plant Profile: Asclepias verticillata

Whorled Milkweed is a perennial wildflower native to North Carolina and prevalent throughout much of the eastern United States, particularly in sandy hills, sparse woodlands, and rocky outcrops. Its slender, linear leaves grow in whorls around the stem, and from May to September, it produces clusters of white flowers. This plant is particularly attractive to bees and butterflies, serving as a host for monarch butterfly larvae.

This wildflower thrives in a range of conditions, preferring average, well-drained soils that are moist to dry, and it flourishes best in full sunlight, although it can tolerate partial shade. Whorled Milkweed is resilient against deer, drought, and arid soil conditions. It is an excellent choice for naturalized landscapes, pollinator gardens, or meadows. The plant can propagate through both seeds and rhizomes. To manage its spread, seed pods can be harvested before they disperse, and they are occasionally utilized in dried floral arrangements.