Common Milkweed, Asclepias syriaca is a perennial that grows to 1.5m. It produces large clusters of fragrant pale pink flowers. It has long oval shaped leaves that contain a milky sap. It produces large bulbous seedpods with a bumpy surface that contain an average of over 200 seeds. Fluffy white fibers called coma are attached to each seed for wind dispersal. The coma fibers have been used for natural textiles, insulation for coats, to stuff lifejackets and even clean up oil spills. Famously an essential host for the monarch butterfly larvae the plant is used by hundreds of species of insects and is an essential part of any pollinator garden.

Bloom Time: Early summer

Wildlife Benefits: Nectar source, Larval host

Uses: Pollinator gardens, Meadow prairie plantings

Conditions: Full sun, moist, Medium to fine sandy, clayey, or rocky calcareous soils. Also found in well-drained loamy soils. Drought tolerant, Deer Resistant