Asclepias Species, Whorled Milkweed, Whorled-leaf Milkweed, Horsetail Milkweed

I discovered this plant along the gravel road next to my property today. Based on the skirted flower, I knew right away it was a Milkwe...Read Moreed and found the ID through a quick search. It is native to North America and thrives best in exposed, infertile soil.

I pulled one up to take pictures when I got home, but made a quick decision to put it next to our driveway. The roots were shallow, so it might be a first year plant. Only about half of the flowers were opened up at this point. If this survives, I will place the seed in our prairie patch.

It does not appear to be a preferred host for the Monarch, so do not plant this for that purpose only. But do not forget all the equally interesting insects out there who will partake of this. In an earlier article I read, it stated that not all Milkweeds are used by the Monarchs and the scientists are studying which ones they like best. From our observation, they use the Butterflyweed and Common Milkweed as hosts, both of which are on our property and in the area. I have Swamp Milkweed, but no caterpillars are seen on it yet.

This plant (and most milkweeds) are poisonous to horses and should not be planted where there is a possibility they could self seed and b...Read Moreecome a problem. All natives are not necessarily desireable. Whorled milkweed was determined to be the cause of death of several horses in Dec 2012.

I got this plant in Lawrence at a monarch butterfly conservation event. I planted it it near a short path of natural stones, and it looks...Read More so nice. It has a few small stalks gently weeping out from the center and they have a nicer green color. The pictures of the flowers are pretty, it will be nice to have a later blooming plant and I hope it may attract monarchs so planting it wasn't just a random placeing of a flower.

This is a native plant in Illinois. I purchased one this year from a center that sells natives. Later I found it growing in a conservatio...Read Moren area along a hillside. I love how the slender pine needle-like leaves contrast with the grasslands around it in the wild.