Whorled milkweed
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Asclepias verticillata
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Apocynaceae
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Landscape Uses:
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Primarily recommended for natural landscapes and habitat restorations. Also wildflower and butterfly gardens. |
Ecological Restoration Notes: |
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A rare understory herb in pinelands. |
Availability: |
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Widely available in central Florida. Available at Indian Trails Native Nursery in Lake Worth (561-641-9488). |
Description: |
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Medium wildflower with erect slender stems; barely noticeable when not in flower. |
Height: |
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Typically 2-3 feet in height. Taller than broad. |
Growth Rate: |
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Moderate. |
Range: |
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Widespread in North America south to Miami-Dade and Collier counties. |
Habitats: |
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Pinelands. |
Soils: |
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Moist, well-drained sandy soils, without humus. |
Nutritional Requirements: |
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Low; it grows in nutrient poor soils. |
Salt Water Tolerance: |
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Low; does not tolerate flooding by salt or brackish water. |
Salt Wind Tolerance: |
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Low; salt wind may burn the leaves. |
Drought Tolerance: |
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High; does not require any supplemental water once established. |
Light Requirements: |
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Full sun. |
Flower Color: |
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Greenish-white or white. |
Flower Characteristics: |
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Semi-showy. |
Flowering Season: |
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Spring-summer. |
Fruit: |
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Slender pod (follicle) with wind dispersed seeds. |
Wildlife and Ecology: |
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Larval host for queen (Danaus gilippus) and possibly soldier (Danaus eresimus) butterflies. Nectar plant for monarch (Danaus plexippus) and other butterflies. Attracts native bees and other beneficial insects. |
Horticultural Notes: |
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Can be grown from seed. |
Comments: |
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See also the Florida Wildflower Foundation's Flower Friday page and Monarchs & Milkweed flyer. |
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