Quick answer: Whorled milkweed (Asclepias verticillata) is native to 30 states. What's commonly sold under this name is the true wild species. It's typically live plant, verified 16 Sep 2026.
Photo: Eric Hunt, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Where it's native
Listed in the directory as native to these states. Click a state for its full native-plant guide.
Growing conditions
From the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database.
| Sun | Sun, Part Shade |
|---|---|
| Water | Low, Dry |
| Soil | Sandy, clayey or rocky |
| Bloom | May-Sep |
| Height | Up to 3 ft |
| Wildlife value | Larval host for Monarchs, benefits native/bumble/honey bees |
All parts poisonous, toxic in large quantities; cardiac glycosides and resinoids cause vomiting/weakness/spasms
Considered a weed in livestock range areas -- one of the more poisonous milkweeds to livestock
Buying it
Sold true to the wild species as of the last check (16 Sep 2026), via Amazon.
Sold as: Live plant via Amazon · listing verified 16 Sep 2026
See where to buy →Quick answers about Whorled milkweed
Where is Whorled milkweed native?
Whorled milkweed (Asclepias verticillata) is native to 30 states across the Northeast, Midwest and South. Check your state's page in this directory for the full list of plants native where you live.
When does Whorled milkweed bloom?
Whorled milkweed blooms May-Sep. Exact timing shifts a few weeks with latitude and elevation.
What growing conditions does Whorled milkweed need?
Light: Sun, Part Shade. Water: Low, Dry. Soil: Sandy, clayey or rocky. Mature height: Up to 3 ft.
Is Whorled milkweed good for pollinators and wildlife?
Yes. Wildlife value: Larval host for Monarchs, benefits native/bumble/honey bees.
Is Whorled milkweed deer-resistant or drought-tolerant?
Whorled milkweed is deer-resistant and drought-tolerant.
Is Whorled milkweed toxic?
All parts poisonous, toxic in large quantities; cardiac glycosides and resinoids cause vomiting/weakness/spasms.
Where can I buy real Whorled milkweed seed or plants?
We found a listing sold as live plant that names the true species, last checked 16 Sep 2026. Look for the scientific name Asclepias verticillata on any listing.
Similar native plants
Native plants that share growing conditions or range with Whorled milkweed.
- Butterflyweed Asclepias tuberosa
- Eastern red columbine Aquilegia canadensis
- Indiangrass Sorghastrum nutans
- Indigo bush Amorpha fruticosa
- Swamp milkweed Asclepias incarnata
- Sideoats grama Bouteloua curtipendula
Also listed under
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