How to identify Whorled Milkweed (Asclepias verticillata)
Whorled Milkweed, also known as Eastern Whorled Milkweed
Whorled Milkweed is distinguished by its slim, needle-like leaves that circle the stem in distinctive whorls. This perennial boasts clusters of small, creamy-white flowers that bloom prolifically from late spring through early fall. The leaves can reach lengths of approximately 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 cm), while the plants themselves grow to a height of about 1 to 2 feet (30 to 60 cm). Its flowers are not only visually appealing but also serve as important resources for pollinators like bees and butterflies.
Lifespan: Perennial
Plant Type: Herb
Leaf Type: Deciduous
Needle-like leaves in distinctive whorls
Clusters of tiny, creamy-white flowers
Slender, elongated seed pods split open
Unbranched stem with milky sap
Leaves with rolled-down margins and pubescent undersides
The leaves of whorled Milkweed are 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm) long, narrow, and sessile, with a linear shape. They are arranged in whorls of 3-6 per node along the stem. The margins are uniquely rolled downward (revolute). The undersides are a whitish-green color, featuring short hairs.
The flowers of whorled Milkweed are tiny, tubular, 5-petaled structures clustered in the upper leaf axils and stem tips, blooming from May to September. They exhibit a white to greenish-white hue. Each flower measures approximately 0.1 inches (2.5 mm) in diameter and feature a distinct whorled arrangement. The flowers are not notably fragrant and serve a key identification feature. Their subtle coloring and structure make them distinctive in their natural habitats.
The stem of whorled Milkweed is unbranched, green, and features vertical lines of short pubescence. When broken, it exudes a milky sap. The stem is typically smooth to the touch, slender, and generally maintains a consistent thickness. Key identifying features are its unbranched nature and the distinct vertical lines of fine hairs. The milky sap is a notable characteristic not common in all plants, aiding in easy identification. Stems typically reach up to 2 feet (60 cm) in height.
The fruit of whorled Milkweed manifests as slender, elongated seed pods, approximately 3-4 inches (7.6-10.2 cm) in length and 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) wide. These pods exhibit a smooth texture and a narrow physique. Upon reaching maturity, they are known to split open, a process characteristically taking place from September to October. The splitting action liberates a profusion of seeds, each adorned with a tuft of white hair designed for wind dispersal. These distinct, cottony hairs facilitate the spread of the seeds over considerable distances.
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Scientific Classification of Whorled Milkweed
