SafePlants

Asclepias verticillata: Whorled Milkweed

Asclepias verticillata, commonly known as Whorled Milkweed, Eastern Whorled Milkweed, or Horsetail Milkweed, is a perennial herbaceous plant known for its distinctive whorled leaves and clusters of flowers.

Considerations for Pets

• All plants in the genus Asclepias are considered somewhat toxic to both humans and animals.

Considerations for Children

• All plants in the genus Asclepias are considered somewhat toxic to both humans and animals.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Asclepias verticillata L.
• Family: Asclepiadaceae (Milkweed Family)

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to most of eastern North America.
• Has established itself across most of the United States.
• New England is at the northeastern limit of its range, and the species is quite rare there.
• Grows almost anywhere, particularly in the Midwest.
• Found in dry to wet-mesic soil, including sand, loam, and clay.

Morphological Characteristics

• Single-stemmed, unbranched perennial, typically 1-3 feet tall but can grow over 24 inches.
• Slender, usually unbranched stems.
• Narrow, linear leaves are whorled along the stem (usually 3-6 leaves per node).
• Rounded clusters of greenish-white, sometimes tinged purple, 5-parted flowers, approximately 1-2 inches across and individual flowers about an inch long.

Ecological Role

• An excellent host plant for monarch caterpillars.
• Pollinator magnet, providing nectar to bee varieties.
• Deer-resistant.

Quirky Facts

• Due to its narrow leaves and stems, this species blends in with grasses and is easily overlooked.

Synonyms and Related Species

• Mexican Whorled Milkweed: Asclepias fascicularis
• Western Whorled Milkweed: Asclepias subverticillata
• Showy Milkweed: Asclepias speciosa

Traditional Uses

• Lakota mothers would use this plant when they didn't have any milk.
• Some Native American tribes used it.