Whorled Milkweed (Asclepias verticellata)

JULY-SEPTEMBER

Whorled Milkweed Asclepias verticillata) L. (MILKWEED FAMILY)

Whorled milkweed is a slender, upright perennial 1-2 1/2 ft tall growing from a fibrous root system. The leaves are narrowly linear, 1-3 in. long and 1/8 in. wide in whorls of 3 to 6 at each node, with an entire margin. The inflorescence consists of several umbels of small whitish flowers from the upper nodes. The petals and hoods are white or whitish-green. The pods are slender and erect, 2-3 in. long. This plant is delicate in nature and often occurs in colonies. Livestock may be poisoned by eating it.