common milkweed

Asclepias syriaca (common milkweed). A member of the Asclepiadaceae native to southern Canada and the eastern United States, east of the Rocky Mountains, this species is one of the more commonly encountered milkweeds growing along roadsides, in old fields, and in degraded prairies.

Growing up to 6-feet tall, common milkweeds blooms in the early summer with fragrant, nectariferous rose-to-pink flowers on pendulate cymes originating at nodes along the stem of the plant. The characteristic milky white latex sap of the plant contains several types of glycocides and is known to be toxic to many insects and animals.

Common milkweed plays an important role in supporting local pollinators, such as Apis wellifera (Western honeybee) and Bombus species (bubble bees).  Common milkweed will produce large, tear-drop shaped pods in the fall. These pods can be harvested and the seed contained therein used to propagate more A. syriaca plants. Pods should be collected 1-2 days prior to opening, dried in a paper bag, and the small brown seeds dried and stored in a cool, dry place. Seeds can be germinated indoors during the late winter/early spring months, ideally 4-8 weeks prior to the final frost of the winter. Start seeds in propagation trays under artificial light, keeping the soil temperature below 80 degrees F. Seeds will germinate and once seedlings reach 3-6 inches in height, they are ready to be transplanted outdoors. Plant young seedlings outdoors in an appropriate site after the danger of frost has past.