Whorled Milkweed

Ascelpias verticillata

Size: 1g availability

Flower
Max size: 3′ tall x 2′ wide
Average Size: 2′ tall x 1′ wide

Usually Moist, Moist to Dry, Very Dry
Clay, Loam, Sand
Sun, Part Sun
No salt tolerance

This milkweed can spread by seeds and rhizomes; seedlings germinate immediately upon dropping but they might not flower until the following year. It can bloom as early as spring and last until fall; flowers are white and green. It goes dormant in the winter but returns from roots in spring. It naturally occurs in pinelands throughout Florida, and makes a nice addition to cottage gardens, prairie/meadow edges, and can even be a nice addition to a large potted plant.

It is resistant to browsing by deer. Like all native Asclepias species, it is a larval host for Monarch, Queen, and Soldier butterflies. They are also a nectar source; the flowers attract many other pollinators such as bees, wasps, and moths.

The latex in the stems and leaves can be used to produce a natural rubber. The stems can also be used to produce a very strong, grey/white fiber that is useful in making string, thread, and other textiles. (1) (2)

There are a few medicinal uses linked to various Turtle Island tribes; for example, both the Hopi and Lakota would utilize the plant to make an infusion for increasing breast milk for feeding mothers. Additionally, the Hopi historically harvested the young leaves and shoots, boiled them with meat, and ate them. (3)