How to identify Common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca)
Common milkweed, also known as Butterfly flower
Common milkweed is characterized by its capacity to grow in a range of soil conditions, from average, well-draining to dry, in full sun. It is a herbaceous perennial with a milky sap that exudes when stems or leaves are broken. Its seeds are attached to numerous hairs, assisting in wind dispersal, and the distinctive seed pods exhibit a warty texture. Common milkweed easily propagates via seeds or root cuttings, and tends to occupy considerable space, indicating a potential for naturalization in suitable garden settings.
Lifespan: Perennial
Plant Type: Herb
Leaf Type: Deciduous
Milky sap exudes from stems and leaves when broken.
Distinctive domed umbels of dusty pink or lavender flowers.
Fruit is a warty, gray follicle with fine hair and spikes.
Oppositely arranged, oblong leaves with milky sap when crushed.
Upright stems reaching up to 6 feet with slightly hairy texture.
The leaves of common milkweed are oblong and arranged oppositely, measuring between 3 to 12 inches (8 to 30 cm) in length. They exhibit a thick, light green color, with the underside being downy. The veins are somewhat reddish, and the leaves are rounded at both ends or sometimes abruptly pointed at the tip. When crushed, they exude a distinctive milky sap.
The flowers of common milkweed are distinguished by their domed umbels, each spanning 2 to 3 inches (5 to 8 cm) and consisting of up to 100 blooms. Each flower features five petals, colored in subtle shades of dusty pink or lavender. These blooms are often found in the leaf axils and tend to droop. The bloom season is long-lasting, extending from June through August, making them a distinctive presence during the summer months.
The stem of common milkweed is upright and can grow up to 6 feet (1.8 meters) tall. It is generally unbranched, with only a few branches near the top. The stem is robust and has a slightly hairy texture. When cut or crushed, it exudes a milky latex sap. The color of the stem ranges from light green to grayish-green. The stem often thickens and becomes more rigid as the plant matures, providing structural support.
The fruit of common milkweed is a distinctive gray follicle, covered with fine hair and spikes, giving it a warty texture. It is dry and inflated, measuring 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) in length and approximately 1 2/3 inches (4.2 cm) in width. The fruit stands erect, with a swollen base and narrows to a tapered tip. Inside, numerous seeds equipped with hair tufts await wind dispersal. The seed pod's unique appearance makes it a popular choice for dried floral arrangements and is commonly observed from July through September.
Scan QR code to download
Gardenia jasminoides is an evergreen shrub with unique, glossy evergreen leaves and stunning flowers. The sophisticated, matte white flowers are often used in bouquets. The exceptional beauty of this ornamental plant has made it a popular and highly appreciated plant amongst gardeners and horticulturalists.
The golden pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is a popular houseplant that is commonly seen in Australia, Asia, and the West Indies. It goes by many nicknames, including "devil's ivy", because it is so hard to kill and can even grow in low light conditions. Golden pothos has poisonous sap, so it should be kept away from pets and children.
Solanum lycopersicum is an annual or perennial herbaceous vine native to Central and South America that produces a large, juicy, edible fruit known as tomato. Today there are over 10000 cultivated varieties. Although tomato is the world’s most popular vegetable, botanically it is a fruit.
The pepper are commonly used for cooking in places such as the Southern U.S. and Central America. Most are moderately spicy, though because there are so many variants, the spice level can vary dramatically. Cayenne powder is also a popular seasoning product made from pepper plants.
The swiss cheese plant (Monstera deliciosa) produces bright, glossy leaves and makes a popular houseplant. It is originally native to tropical forest regions in Central America. The nickname swiss cheese plant refers to the small holes that develop in the plant's leaves. The long fruits resemble corncobs and smell sweet and fragrant when ripe.
The bigleaf hydrangea is a deciduous shrub native to Japan, and is known for its lush, oval, colorful inflorescence. The two types of Hydrangea macrophylla are mopheads - with large, ball-shaped, sterile flower clusters, and lace capes - with small round fertile flowers in the center, and sterile flowers on the outer side of each inflorescence. Depending on soil pH, blooms can change color from pink to blue.
Identify a Plant Online
Scientific Classification of Common milkweed
