common milkweed

Asclepias syriaca L.

characteristics

Grey-green perennial with fleshy leaves. Numerous fragrant blooms are usually flesh tone, but can be pale-yellow to pinkish-purple. Spreads by rhizome. Self seeds readily. Bitter milky sap protects plant from insects (except monarch caterpillars).

Sap has some medicinal qualities but is also poisonous to humans and animals.

Starts from seed (plant directly in fall), cuttings.

habitat

Roadsides, fields, pond edges.

uses

Primary food source for monarch caterpillars. Nectar is popular with ants, too. Red Milkweed Beetle larvae bore in stems or roots; adults eat the foliage and flowers.

Fibres used to make cord.