Whorled Milkweed - Asclepias verticillata
 
 
Whorled Milkweed, scientifically known as Asclepias verticillata, is a herbaceous perennial native to North America. It thrives in dry, well-drained soils and is typically found in prairies, open woods, and along roadsides. The plant is named for its whorled leaves arranged in circles around the stem. It produces clusters of small, white to greenish-white flowers from late spring to summer, attracting various pollinators including bees and butterflies, such as the Monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus). Whorled Milkweed serves as a host plant for Monarch caterpillars, providing essential food and habitat for their development. This species is valued for its ecological role in supporting pollinators and its delicate appearance in naturalized landscapes and native plant gardens.