![]() ![]() Over 450 insects are known to feed on some portion of the plant. They split open revealing 50-100 seeds each with a white, fluffy coma ("parachute") that allows wind dispersal.Ĭommon milkweed is Nature's mega food market for insects. They are green initially, turning brown as they mature. Fruits (pods) are about 10 centimeters (4 inches) long, inflated and covered in little finger-like projections. Flowers are greenish-pink to rosy pink to purplish-pink and very strongly and sweetly scented. Each flower is about 2 centimeters (0.75 inches) long and 1 centimeters (0.4 inches) wide. Flowers are borne in nearly spherical clusters (umbels) at the top of the plant, usually with 2-5 clusters per plant. ![]() Broken leaves and stems exude a milky latex. The upper surface is light to dark green while the lower surface is lighter, almost white at times. They are somewhat thick with a prominent midrib beneath. Leaves are 15-20 centimeters (6-8 inches) long and 5-9 centimeters (2-3.6 inches) wide. It has rhizomes and quickly forms colonies. This milkweed grows to about 1.5 meters(5 feet) tall, usually occurring in clusters of stout stems. It is tolerant of light shade, but generally is a full sun species. Given the opportunity, it will establish in gardens and even thin lawns. It is frequently found in fence rows, on roadsides, in fields, and in prairies and pastures. It is a widespread and somewhat weedy species known from most of the eastern United States and the eastern most prairie states as well as southern Canada from New Brunswick to Saskatchewan. The specific epithet, syriaca, means ‘of Syria’ in reference to Linnaeus's mistaken belief it was from Syria. tuberosa (also known as pleurisy root, used for pleurisy and other lung disease). Some of the milkweed species have a history of medicinal use including common milkweed (wart removal and lung diseases), and butterfly weed, A. The genus name, Asclepias, commemorates Asklepios, the Greek god of medicine. Most species are tropical or arid land species. It is one of about 115 species that occur in the Americas. Common Milkweed ( Asclepias syriaca L.)Ĭommon milkweed is a member of the Asclepiadaceae (milkweed) family. Photo by David Taylor.Īsclepias syriaca pods. States are colored green where the species may be found. ![]()
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