Horsetail Milkweed
Asclepias verticillata
Last reviewed: July 2026
Horsetail Milkweed (Asclepias verticillata) is a drought-tolerant native forb blooming June through August across much of the United States. This white-flowered milkweed attracts bees, butterflies, and beetles to sunny locations.
Horsetail Milkweed is toxic to dogs and cats.
Listed as toxic by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) (last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435and your veterinarian's emergency line.
Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants so you can choose a pet-safe native alternative for your yard.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
12"–36" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
AL, AR, AZ, CT and 33 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies, beetles
Deer
Resistant (per Prairie Moon Nursery)
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Horsetail milkweed is a compact native perennial with narrow, whorled leaves and small clusters of white flowers that bloom throughout summer. This drought-tolerant plant forms neat clumps and is one of the more refined-looking milkweed species. It goes dormant in winter, disappearing completely until spring regrowth.
Growing Horsetail Milkweed
Grow Horsetail Milkweed in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 12 to 36 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Horsetail Milkweed is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: mid zone, foundation, front yard.
- Completely disappears in winter dormancy
- May need explanation as milkweed to gain HOA acceptance
Wildlife value
Host plant for monarch butterfly, milkweed tussock moth.
Essential host plant for monarch butterfly caterpillars and provides nectar for various butterflies, bees, and beetles. The flowers are particularly attractive to small native bees and beneficial insects.
Common questions
- When does Horsetail Milkweed bloom?
- Horsetail Milkweed blooms from June through August, producing small white flowers in clusters.
- What pollinators visit Horsetail Milkweed?
- Horsetail Milkweed attracts bees, butterflies, and beetles. Like other milkweeds, it serves as an important nectar source for various pollinating insects.
- Where is Horsetail Milkweed native?
- Horsetail Milkweed is native to much of the United States, from the Southeast through the Great Plains and into parts of the Northeast and Mountain West.
- What growing conditions does Horsetail Milkweed prefer?
- Horsetail Milkweed thrives in full sun locations with low water requirements, making it well-suited for dry prairies and disturbed sites.
- Is Horsetail Milkweed toxic to dogs?
- Yes. Horsetail Milkweed is listed as toxic to dogs by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
- Is Horsetail Milkweed toxic to cats?
- Yes. Horsetail Milkweed is listed as toxic to cats by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your cat has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
- Is Horsetail Milkweed HOA-friendly?
- Horsetail Milkweed is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants like Horsetail Milkweed and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.
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