Causes of Decline Dwarf milkweed was collected extensively throughout its range in the nineteenth century. Today, only 17 widely scattered populations are known. The causes of decline are unclear, as are the past and current Oklahoma distributions of wheel milkweed. Recovery Needs Not understood at present. Research is currently being conducted at the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum on the life history of wheel milkweed.
Leaves are barely alternate, thus appearing subopposite, to clearly alternate.
There is only one inflorescence per plant, rarely more. The inflorescence is composed of 2 to 12 flowers, but 3 or 4 are most common. The calyx is composed of five fused sepals with reflexed lobes. Five fused petals with reflexed lobes form the corolla. Five stamens are present.