ExplorePlants

common milkweed

Asclepias syriaca

Common milkweed is a tall plant with big, green leaves and pretty pink flowers. It is a favorite for butterflies, especially monarchs, who love to lay their eggs on it!

Habitat: Grasslands

Appearance

The common milkweed has sturdy green stems with large, broad oval leaves. Its dense clusters of small, fragrant flowers are typically pinkish-purple, setting them apart from other wildflowers. It stands tall and robust.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderGentianalesFamilyApocynaceaeGenusAsclepias
common milkweed
deciduous trait badgeflowering trait badgefragrant_flower trait badgemedicinal trait badge
common milkweed

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

2/5 · Low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Its unique flowers can sometimes trap insect legs, requiring a tricky escape!

Milkweed was once used to stuff life vests during World War II!

Native Americans used milkweed for food, medicine, and strong fibers.

Some tiny spiders hide among milkweed flowers, ambushing unsuspecting insects!

Special abilities

Ability

Sap Shield

Common milkweed has a milky sap that deters herbivores by being sticky and bitter, protecting its leaves.

Ability

Wind Sailor Seeds

Common milkweed produces seeds with silky parachutes that catch the wind, allowing them to travel far and wide.

Ability

Pollinator Beacon

Common milkweed produces abundant, nectar-rich flowers that attract a diverse array of insects, aiding pollination.

Measurements & details

Height
100-200 cm
Spread
30-60 cm
Flower Size
1-2 cm
Bloom Season
Summer
Edible
No
Toxicity
Mild
Lifecycle
Perennial
Pollination Method
Insect

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

2/5 · Low

While milkweed is fun to look at, don't eat it because it can make you feel sick.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is common milkweed?

100-200 cm

How wide does common milkweed spread?

30-60 cm

How big are the flowers on common milkweed?

1-2 cm

When does common milkweed bloom?

Summer

Is common milkweed edible?

No

Is common milkweed toxic?

Mild

What is common milkweed's lifecycle?

Perennial

How is common milkweed pollinated?

Insect

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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