




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
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.





Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
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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!
Common milkweed has a milky sap that deters herbivores by being sticky and bitter, protecting its leaves.
Common milkweed produces seeds with silky parachutes that catch the wind, allowing them to travel far and wide.
Common milkweed produces abundant, nectar-rich flowers that attract a diverse array of insects, aiding pollination.

Danaus plexippus
Caterpillars feed exclusively on its leaves for growth.
Apis mellifera
Gathers nectar and pollen from its sweet-smelling flowers.

Aphis nerii
Forms colonies, sucking sap from stems and leaves.
Deciduous plants periodically shed all their leaves, typically during autumn or dry seasons.
Flowering plants are any plants that produce flowers as part of their reproductive cycle.
Fragrant flowers emit a pleasant aroma, often to attract pollinators or for defense.
Medicinal plants possess chemical compounds that can be used for therapeutic purposes to treat illnesses or maintain health.
Edible plants are those parts of a plant that are considered safe for human consumption.
Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals.
Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
Describes a species whose presence and role have a disproportionately large effect on its environment.
No aliases listed yet.
Danger
2/5 · Low
While milkweed is fun to look at, don't eat it because it can make you feel sick.
100-200 cm
30-60 cm
1-2 cm
Summer
No
Mild
Perennial
Insect
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Recent snaps will appear here as new observations are added.

Illinois, US
You might spot White Mulberry, House Finch, and Scissor Grinder.
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Wisconsin, US
You might spot White-Tailed Deer, Common Eastern Bumble Bee, and Duck.
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Virginia, US
You might spot Monarch, Eastern Box Turtle, and Asian Lady Beetle.
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New York, US
You might spot Stream Bluet, Variable Dancer, and Eastern Pondhawk.
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Illinois, US
You might spot Wood Duck, Red-Winged Blackbird, and Duck.
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Virginia, US
You might spot American Robin, Northern Cardinal, and House Sparrow.
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