Identification
This native perennial is 1-2 feet tall and has an unbranched, smooth stem with milky juice in the stem and leaves. Radiating groups (whorls) of 3-6 very narrow leaves 1-3 inches long arise from the stem (C). From 2-10 short-stalked clusters of flowers (umbels) arise from the leaf axils or from the top of the plant (A,C). Each cluster (E) has from 6-20 complex flowers typical of the milkweeds with 5 drooping, greenish-white petals and a central column consisting of the pistil and stamens with yellow anthers surrounded by 5 erect, white hoods (B,D). Slender seed pods contain many small seeds each with a cottony tuft of hairs (F).
Found in dry prairies, disturbed areas and roadsides. It is common in prairie restorations at Neale Woods and uncommon at Fontenelle Forest in disturbed, open areas. Flowering occurs from June through August.
The greenish-white or white flowers and whorls of narrow leaves differentiate this milkweed from other milkweeds found in our two nature centers.
Whorled Milkweed is poisonous to livestock, but seldom consumed in quantities sufficient to cause toxicity.
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