Asclepias verticillata

Description

Asclepias verticillata is an upright unbranched perennial that rambles to form colonies from underground rhizomes. Foliage is needle-like, fine textured and whorled in umbrella like clusters along the stems. Foliage offers a lovely yellow fall color.

Fragrant white flowers occur from mid-summer and into autumn. This late bloomer is among the last milkweeds to go dormant. This makes it a very valuable late season food source for Monarch butterflies and their caterpillars.

Plants are best adapted to sunny dry sites and are drought tolerant and vigorous. If self-seeding is an issue, remove the pods before seed are released.
NOTE: It is poisonous to livestock and horses.