One of the most underrated milkweeds — delicate, fine-textured and surprisingly tough. Whorls of needle-like leaves give the plant an airy, almost ethereal appearance, topped with small clusters of fragrant white flowers in late summer. Unlike showier milkweeds, this one thrives in lean, dry soils and survives conditions that defeat most plants. A pioneer species that establishes readily in disturbed areas, dry meadows and shale barrens.