Whorled Milkweed

Botanical Name: Asclepias verticillata

Height: About 40 cm.

Season of bloom: Summer.

Growing Conditions: Full sun. Lean, well-drained soil. Spreads by roots to form colonies.

Wildlife benefits: Host plant for caterpillars of Monarch butterflies. Flowers are a good nectar source for many pollinating insects.

From Ottawa Valley or eastern Ontario sources: No. Native to the southwest corner of Ontario.

Remarks: Thin leaves seem to be favoured by momma Monarchs later in the summer, when the leaves of Common Milkweed have become mature and tough.

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