Whorled Milkweed (Asclepias verticillata)

Whorled Milkweed
Asclepias verticillata

Family: Dogbane Family (Apocynaceae), (Milkweed Family (Asclepiadaceae))

Group: Milkweeds

Distinctive features: Thin narrow leaves in whorls. Milky sap.

Similar species:
  •   Cypress Spurge (Euphorbia cyparissias) - leaves thin and narrow, but not in whorls.

Flowers: Summer;  White, Green/Brown;  5 parts (petals);  Greenish-white.

Leaves: Narrow & small, in whorls spaced at intervals up the stem.

Height: Up to 1 m (2 ft);  Low.

Stem: Milky sap.

Fruit/Seeds: Small black seeds easily blown by the wind on silky hairs.

Habitat: Fields and Open Areas;  Forest edges, dry fields.

Books: Newcomb's Wildflower Guide: 264    Peterson's Field Guide to Wildflowers: 54

Native/Non-native: Native

Status: Uncommon.

Origin and Meaning of Names:
Scientific Name: verticillata: whorled

Photographs: 39 photographs available, of which 3 are featured on this page. SCROLL DOWN FOR PHOTOGRAPHS.

Range Map is at the bottom of the page

Wildflowers ● Milkweeds

Unfortunately, I do not have any photos of Whorled Milkweed with either leaves or flowers! However, this photos shows how the leaves are attached to the stem. They are thin long leaves, attached in a whorl around the stem, hence the plant's name.

Whorled Milkweed (Asclepias verticillata)

Seeds of Whorled Milkweed in late fall.

Whorled Milkweed (Asclepias verticillata)

Another view of the empty seed pods.

Wildflowers ● Milkweeds

Range map for Whorled Milkweed (Asclepias verticillata)

PLEASE NOTE: A coloured Province or State means this species occurs somewhere in that Province/State.
The entire Province/State is coloured, regardless of where in that Province/State it occurs.

(Range map provided courtesy of the USDA website and is displayed here in accordance with their Policies)

Whorled Milkweed Asclepias verticillata

Whorled Milkweed
Asclepias verticillata