Common milkweed - Asclepias syriaca (Care, Characteristics, Flower, Images, Toxic)

Common milkweed

Also known as: Butterfly flower

Asclepias syriaca, commonly known as common milkweed, is a flowering perennial herbaceous plant native to North America. It contains milky latex which can be toxic to sheep, cows, and other larger mammals (including humans) if it is consumed in large amounts. Many insect species are attracted to common milkweed, most notably monarch butterflies.

Scientific classification

Species

Common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca)

Gentians, dogbanes, madders, and allies

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Toxic to Human & Pets

Toxicity

Weeds

Weed or not

Perennial

Lifespan

Herb

Plant Type

Late spring, Summer, Fall

Bloom Time

Fall

Harvest Time

90 cm to 1.2 m

Plant Height

22 cm to 30 cm

Spread

Green

Leaf Color

4 mm to 6 mm

Flower Size

Silver, Gray

Fruit Color

Pink, Purple, White

Flower Color

Green

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Deciduous

Leaf type

Images of Common milkweed

Distribution of Common milkweed

Distribution Map

Common milkweed is native to central and eastern United States and Canada. It has been introduced into much of west and central Europe, where it enjoys sandy soils in sunny, disturbed prairies.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Thickets, roadsides, dry fields, waste places

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Culture

Garden Use

The beautiful common milkweed is an ornamental wildflower ideal for butterfly gardens, cottage gardens, prairie landscapes, and more. It provides a beautiful canopy of fragrant flowers that support the butterfly population. This low-maintenance plant is resistant to deer and pests, making it a great addition to any garden.

Symbolism

Adaptability, remembrance, dignity, freedom

Interesting Facts

White milk flows out when its stem and leaves are broken. The fruit resembles a young parrot. When it ripens, it cracks. Its seeds are white and fluffy and flutter like dandelions in the wind.

Name Story

Common milkweed: It was being described as one of the earliest North American species by Cornut in his masterpiece, Canadensium Plantarum Historia in 1635. Every part of this plant would secrete white fluid if they are being damaged and broken. As it is the most common species in the genus, it is called common milkweed.

Butterfly flower: When it blooms in the garden, it always attracts lots of butterflies and bees. As it is the food source for the larvae of Danaus plexippus, many regions will plant Asclepias syriaca in large volume to encourage the reproduction of Danaus plexippus. Hence, it is called the butterfly flower.

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Toxicity

The plant common milkweed is toxic to cats and dogs, causing symptoms like vomiting and difficulty breathing upon ingestion. Humans might experience nausea and stomach pain due to glycosides in the leaves and seeds, though there are no documented cases of human poisoning. Immediate veterinary care is essential if cats or dogs ingest any part of common milkweed.

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Weed Control

Common milkweed is native to the North American Great Planes region, but can also be a persistent weed elsewhere. It is naturalized in cultivated fields and dry grasslands in some parts of southern and Central Europe.

Because it can't compete against well-established native vegetation, the invasive spread of common milkweed depends on land disruption, making it a seriously troublesome agricultural weed of grain crops, soy, and corn. Also, it is toxic to sheep and cattle, making it undesirable in pasturelands. Still, it should not be forgotten that common milkweed is the only feeder plant of Monarch butterfly caterpillars. The invention of herbicides and a wide campaign against common milkweed has directly contributed to the population crash of the iconic American butterfly.

How to Control It

The optimal time to manage common milkweed is before it seeds, typically in late spring to early summer.

Mowing: Cut the plant close to the ground to prevent it from going to seed.
Hand pulling: When the soil is moist, pull common milkweed plants from the roots, ensuring complete removal.
Mulching: Apply a thick layer of organic mulch to suppress the growth of common milkweed and limit its spread.
Cutting: Regularly trim the shoots of common milkweed to keep the plant size in check and avoid overgrowth.
Planting competition: Introduce competitive plants that can outcompete common milkweed for resources, thereby controlling its expansion.

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Quickly Identify Common milkweed

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.

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Care Guide for Common milkweed

Every week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

0 - 32 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Originating from well-drained prairies, common milkweed prefers moderate moisture levels and requires weekly watering to mimic its native environment. Its robust root system provides moderate drought resistance once established. During the growing season, adequate moisture is crucial for supporting its foliage and flowering.

Fertilize: Fertilize common milkweed with balanced, slow-release fertilizers at growth onset and midsummer. Follow package instructions to prevent toxicity and support growth and blooms. Adjust applications seasonally, reducing in late summer. Use gloves and water common milkweed after fertilization for effective nutrient integration.

Pruning: Common milkweed features tall stems and fragrant pinkish flowers that attract pollinators. Prune in early to late spring, cutting old stems to ground level to promote new growth and prevent overcrowding. Removing damaged stems enhances air circulation and flowering, improving overall appearance.

Propagation: Common milkweed is a resilient perennial with bright, nectar-rich flowers. For successful propagation via cuttings, choose healthy stems, apply rooting hormone, and plant in well-draining soil. Consistent moisture is vital, but avoid overwatering to promote healthy root development.

Repotting: Repot common milkweed every 2-3 years in spring for optimal root establishment. Use a deep pot to support vertical growth. After repotting, keep moisture consistent and refrain from fertilizing for one month to prevent root stress, promoting a thriving plant.

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Images of Common milkweed

Distribution of Common milkweed

Culture

Toxicity

Weed Control

Quickly Identify Common milkweed

Care Guide for Common milkweed

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