Anderson, Beth
Asclepias verticillata L.
Whorled milkweed, Eastern whorled milkweed
Asclepiadaceae (Milkweed Family)
Whorled milkweed is a single-stemmed, unbranched
perennial, 1-3 ft. tall. The narrow, linear leaves are
whorled along the stem. Small, greenish-white flowers occur in flat-topped clusters on the upper part of the stem.
Because of its toxicity to livestock, this plant is considered a
weed in range areas.
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Plant Characteristics
Duration: Perennial Habit: Herb Root Type: Tap Leaf Complexity: Simple Leaf Shape: Linear
Leaf Pubescence: Glabrous Leaf Apex: Acute Flower: Flowers 2 mm
Fruit: 10 cm
Size Class: 1-3 ft.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: White , Green
Bloom Time: May , Jun , Jul , Aug , Sep
Distribution
USA: AL , AZ , AR , CT , DE , FL , GA , IL , IN , IA , KS , KY , LA , MD , MA , MI , MN , MS , MO , MT , NE , NJ , NM , NY , NC , ND , OH , OK , PA , RI , SC , SD , TN , TX , VT , VA , WV , WI , WY , DC
Canada: MB ,
ON ,
SK Native Distribution: MA to MT, s. to FL & e. TX; also s. Canada
Native Habitat: Woodland
USDA Native Status: L48(N), CAN(N) Growing Conditions
Water Use: Low
Light Requirement: Sun , Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Dry
Soil Description: Sandy, clayey or rocky soils.
Conditions Comments: Whorled milkweed is one of the more poisonous or the milkweeds to livestock. It is therefore considered a
weed in range areas.
Benefit
Warning: POISONOUS PARTS: All parts. Toxic only in large quantities. Syptoms include, vomiting, stupor, weakness, spasms. Toxic Principle: Cardiac glycosides and resinoids. (Poisonous Plants of N.C. State)
Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Attracts: Butterflies
Larval Host: Monarch
Butterflies and Moths of North America (BAMONA)
Asclepias verticillata is a larval host and/or nectar source for:
Last Update: 2009-02-19
