Family: Apocynaceae
Author: L.
Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 217 (1753)
Year: 1753
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Asclepias
Vegetable: False
Observations: C. & E. Canada to WC. & E. U.S.A.
Description
Horsetail milkweed, known scientifically as Asclepias verticillata, is a distinctive perennial plant that belongs to the Apocynaceae family. This plant, first documented by botanist Carl Linnaeus in his seminal work “Species Plantarum” published in 1753, is native to a broad range spanning from central and eastern Canada down through the central and eastern United States.
Characterized by its slender, almost wiry stems, horsetail milkweed typically reaches heights between 1 to 3 feet. The leaves of this plant are whorled, appearing in groups of three to six around the stem, a resemblance that gives rise to its common name due to their similarity to horsetail plants. The fine, linear leaves are a deep green, adding a delicate texture to the plant’s overall appearance.
During its blooming season, which usually occurs from mid-summer to early fall, Asclepias verticillata displays small, clustered flowers. These flowers are predominantly white or greenish-white, and while they are not particularly large or showy, they contribute a subtle beauty to wild landscapes. The inflorescences attract a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, playing a critical role in the local ecosystem. Of particular note is the plant’s importance to the monarch butterfly, which relies on milkweed species for both nectar and as a host plant for its larvae.
Horsetail milkweed thrives in well-drained soils and can often be found in prairies, open woodlands, and along roadsides. It prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade, making it adaptable to a range of habitats. Despite its unassuming stature, Asclepias verticillata is remarkably resilient, capable of withstanding drought conditions once it is well established.
In addition to its ecological contributions, horsetail milkweed has intrigued researchers and plant enthusiasts alike due to its unique botanical properties. Like other milkweed species, it contains cardiac glycosides, compounds that are toxic if ingested in large quantities, which serve as a natural defense mechanism against herbivores.
Asclepias verticillata, with its understated elegance and vital ecological functions, remains an essential component of its native landscapes. For those interested in gardening with native plants, it offers both beauty and an opportunity to support local wildlife, particularly pollinators like the iconic monarch butterfly.
Common Names
Eng: eastern whorled milkweed, horsetail milkweed, whorled milkweed
Fra: asclépiade verticillée
En: Horsetail milkweed, Eastern whorled milkweed, Whorled milkweed
Ar: صقلاب شعري
Zh: 轮生乳草
Fr: Asclépiade verticillée
Nv: Tłʼiish bideeʼtsʼóóz
Zh-tw: 輪生乳草
Synonyms
- Asclepias linifolia (Kunth)
- Asclepias galioides (Kunth)
- Asclepias verticillata var. linifolia ((Kunth) Decne.)
- Asclepias verticillata var. leptophylla (Torr.)
- Asclepias verticillata var. galioides ((Kunth) Decne.)
- Asclepias parviflora (Leconte ex Decne.)
Distribution
- Alabama (native)
- Arizona (native)
- Arkansas (native)
- Connecticut (native)
- Delaware (native)
- District of Columbia (native)
- Florida (native)
- Georgia (native)
- Illinois (native)
- Indiana (native)
- Iowa (native)
- Kansas (native)
- Kentucky (native)
- Louisiana (native)
- Manitoba (native)
- Maryland (native)
- Masachusettes (native)
- Michigan (native)
- Minnesota (native)
- Mississippi (native)
- Missouri (native)
- Montana (native)
- Nebraska (native)
- New Jersey (native)
- New Mexico (native)
- New York (native)
- North Carolina (native)
- North Dakota (native)
- Ohio (native)
- Oklahoma (native)
- Ontario (native)
- Pennsylvania (native)
- Rhode I. (native)
- Saskatchewan (native)
- South Carolina (native)
- South Dakota (native)
- Tennessee (native)
- Texas (native)
- Vermont (native)
- Virginia (native)
- West Virginia (native)
- Wisconsin (native)
- Wyoming (native)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Jul 11, 2021 by S (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 2, 2019 by Brett Bissell someguy (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 18, 2022 by Jeannie Grimmius (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 19, 2021 by David Hinds (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 25, 2020 by natasha ross (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Aug 8, 2015 by EOL − willfreyman (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jul 30, 2014 by EOL − schock1 (cc-by-nc)
Taken Sep 1, 2014 by EOL − Erin Faulkner (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jul 22, 2004 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jul 18, 2022 by Jeannie Grimmius (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − John Hilty (cc-by-nc)
Taken Aug 9, 2014 by EOL − Mary Keim (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Oct 9, 2020 by Erin Bees (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 27, 2021 by Guenther Weissbarth (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 9, 2020 by Erin Bees (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Jun 24, 2021 by Melissa Mort (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 19, 2020 by AnneRose McCord (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 4, 2021 by Paige Conner (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 2, 2019 by Leann Leann (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 19, 2021 by David Hinds (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Aug 6, 2007 by EOL − Frank Mayfield (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 22, 2004 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jul 22, 2004 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3170235)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:94722-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Asclepias verticillata L.)
Specifications
Growth habit: Forb/herb