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Description
Asclepias Verticillata, also known as Whorled Milkweed, is a herbaceous perennial plant belonging to the family Apocynaceae. It is native to eastern North America and can be found growing in prairies, savannas, and open woods. The plant can grow up to 2 feet tall and has a spread of about 1-2 feet.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain| Kingdom| Phylum | Class | Order | Family| Genus||————|————|——–|——-|——-|————-|—————-|| Eukaryota| Plantae| Tracheophyta | Magnoliopsida | Gentianales | Apocynaceae | Asclepias |
Appearance
The leaves of Asclepias Verticillata are narrow and lance-shaped, growing up to 4 inches long and 1/8 inch wide. They are arranged in whorls of 3-6 around the stem, hence the common name Whorled Milkweed. The flowers are small and white, growing in clusters at the top of the stem. They bloom from June to August and are attractive to bees and butterflies. The plant produces a long, slender seedpod that splits open to release numerous seeds with silky hairs that aid in wind dispersal.
Care Guide
Asclepias Verticillata is easy to care for and requires little maintenance. It is drought-tolerant and can thrive in a variety of soils, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. However, it prefers well-draining soil and full sunlight. The plant can be grown from seeds or propagated through division. Water: The plant can tolerate dry soil but should be watered regularly during prolonged droughts. Water the plant deeply once a week, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.Fertilization: Asclepias Verticillata does not require fertilizer but can benefit from a light application of balanced fertilizer in the spring.Soil: The plant can grow in a variety of soils but prefers well-draining soil. It can tolerate slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soil.Sunlight: Asclepias Verticillata requires full sunlight to thrive. It can tolerate some shade but will not bloom as well.Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 3-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Asclepias Verticillata is relatively pest and disease-free. However, it can be affected by aphids, spider mites, and milkweed bugs. These pests can be controlled through regular monitoring and insecticidal soap.
Habitat
Asclepias Verticillata is native to eastern North America and can be found growing in prairies, savannas, and open woods. It can also be grown in gardens and landscapes as a border plant or in naturalized areas.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Asclepias Verticillata poisonous to humans?
A: Yes, Asclepias Verticillata contains cardiac glycosides that can be toxic if ingested in large quantities.
Q: How can I attract butterflies to my garden using Asclepias Verticillata?
A: Asclepias Verticillata is a host plant for the Monarch butterfly. Planting Asclepias Verticillata in your garden can attract Monarch butterflies and provide a food source for their caterpillars.
Q: How long does it take for Asclepias Verticillata to bloom?
A: Asclepias Verticillata blooms from June to August, depending on the climate and growing conditions.
Q: Can Asclepias Verticillata be grown in containers?
A: Asclepias Verticillata can be grown in containers but requires a large container to accommodate its long taproot.
Related Plants
– Asclepias syriaca (Common Milkweed)- Asclepias tuberosa (Butterfly Weed)- Asclepias incarnata (Swamp Milkweed)- Asclepias curassavica (Tropical Milkweed)
References
– “Asclepias verticillata L.” USDA Plants Database.- “Whorled Milkweed.” Missouri Botanical Garden.- “Asclepias verticillata.” Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
