Common Milkweed
Asclepias syriaca
Family: ApocynaceaeNative: Eastern and Southern North AmericaIdentified: Jun 9, 2025
Common Milkweed grows an upright stem with large, oval leaves that are arranged oppositely. The leaves are a dull green color with prominent veins and have a downy underside. The plant produces clusters of fragrant, pink to purplish flowers in round umbels. These flowers then develop into large, warty seed pods that split open to release flat, brown seeds with silky white hairs.
Learn more about Common Milkweed in the encyclopedia →Care instructions
Common Milkweed is very easy to grow and thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It is drought-tolerant once established and doesn't require much fertilization. It spreads readily via rhizomes and self-seeding, so it may need to be managed to prevent it from taking over a garden.