Common Milkweed

Scientific Name: Asclepias syriaca

Plant Family: Apocynaceae (Dogbane family)

Native Region: Native to central and eastern North America

Common Milkweed

Brief Description

An herbaceous perennial known for its large, thick, velvety leaves and milky sap. It produces clusters of pink to purple spherical flower heads and distinctive seed pods.

Care Instructions

Provide full sun and well-drained soil. This plant is very hardy and requires little maintenance once established. Water regularly during its first year, but it becomes drought-tolerant thereafter. Avoid heavy fertilizing as it can thrive in poor soils.

Medicinal Value

We do not currently provide medicinal value for plant identifications.

Sunlight

Full sun (at least 6-8 hours per day)

Watering

Low to medium. Water weekly during dry spells. Once established, it is quite drought-tolerant. Over-watering can lead to root rot.

Soil

Well-drained loamy, sandy, or clay soils; pH 6.0 to 7.0.

Hardiness Zone

3 to 9

Growth Habit

Upright perennial; reaches 3 to 5 feet in height with a spread of 1 to 2 feet via underground rhizomes.

Bloom Season

Late spring through summer (June to August); produces fragrant, star-shaped pink to lavender flowers in globose umbels.

Toxicity

Toxic to humans, dogs, cats, and horses due to cardiac glycosides. Symptoms include vomiting, tremors, and respiratory distress if ingested in large quantities.

Propagation

Most commonly by seed (requires cold stratification) or by dividing the rhizomatous root cuttings in early spring or fall.

Common Pests & Issues

Aphids (specifically the orange Oleander Aphid) are very common but rarely kill the plant. It can also suffer from Milkweed Yellows (phytoplasma) and root rot in soggy soil.

Similar Species

Showy Milkweed (Asclepias speciosa), which has more star-shaped, elongated flower petals; and Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata), which has narrower, smooth leaves and prefers wetter conditions.

Interesting Facts

This plant is the primary larval host for the Monarch butterfly. The milky white sap contains latex and was once researched as a potential rubber source during World War II.

Created At: 2026-05-13T17:28:02.854786