James H. Schutte
Family
Asclepiadaceae
Botanical Name
Asclepias syriaca
Plant Common Name
Common Milkweed
General Description
A host plant for monarch butterfly caterpillars, common milkweed is a tall, upright, vigorously spreading herbaceous perennial from eastern and central North America. In late spring its wandering underground rhizomes send up tough fibrous thigh-high stems with large leathery oval leaves. Cut stems bleed milky sap. Domed heads of sweet-scented, dull purplish-pink flowers appear at the stem tips and leaf axils in early summer. Butterflies flock to the blooms. Large green flask-shaped seedpods follow the flowers, maturing to tan. They split lengthwise in fall to release brown seeds that float away on white down.
Common milkweed thrives in sun and well-drained soil. This aggressive spreader is best reserved for meadow plantings and other areas where it can roam freely. It makes a perfect choice for large butterfly gardens.
Ornamental Features
-
Flower Interest
Showy
-
Flower Color
Purple, Pink
-
Fruit Color
Green, Tan
-
Foliage Color (Spring)
Green, Blue Green
-
Foliage Color (Summer)
Green, Blue Green
-
Foliage Color (Fall)
Green, Light Yellow
-
Fragrant Flowers
Yes
-
Fragrant Fruit
No
-
Fragrant Foliage
No
-
Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
-
Flower Petal Number
Single
-
Repeat Bloomer
No
-
Showy Fruit
Yes
-
Edible Fruit
No
-
Showy Foliage
No
-
Foliage Texture
Coarse
-
Foliage Sheen
Matte
-
Evergreen
No
-
Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
-
Usage
Wildflower
-
Sharp or Has Thorns
No
-
Invasive
Sometimes
-
Attracts
Butterflies
-
Self-Sowing
Yes
