Milkweed, Eastern Whorled - Asclepias verticillata

Asclepias verticillata, also known as Whorled Milkweed, is a perennial wildflower native to Michigan. Plant reaches just over 2 feet tall and flowers from July to August with a white cluster of fragrant blossoms. Unlike most other milkweeds, the foliage is fine and the flower clusters are loose.
 
It prefers full sun and medium sandy loam, but will tolerate part-sun and dry soil. Spreads by rhizome to form colonies in ideal conditions - exposed poor soils that limit competition. Fence it in with other strong-growing plants or give it room to roam. Whorled Milkweed is a host plant for the endangered Monarch Butterfly caterpillar. It is also popular with bees and butterflies as a nectar plant. Best for naturalizing in short-grass prairie, filling in disturbed areas, or in pollinator or butterfly gardens.