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NC Native Plant Society:
Plant Details

Asclepias syriaca

Common Milkweed

Scientific Name:

Asclepias syriaca

Genus:

Asclepias

Species Epithet:

syriaca

Common Name:

Common Milkweed

Plant Type

Herb/Wildflower

Life Cycle

Perennial

Plant Family

Apocynaceae (Dogbane Family)

Native/Alien:

NC Native

Size:

3-6 ft.

Bloom Color(s):

White, Purple

Light:

Sun - 6 or more hours of sun per day

Soil Moisture:

Moist

Bloom Time:

June, July, August

Growing Area:

Mountains, Piedmont, Coastal Plain

Habitat Description:

“Pastures, roadsides, disturbed areas.” Weakley 205

Leaf Arrangement:

Opposite

Leaf Retention:

Deciduous

Leaf Type:

Leaves veined, not needle-like or scale-like

Leaf Form:

Simple

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Wildlife Value:

Important for Wildlife

Landscape Value:

Suitable for home landscapes

State Rank:

S5: Secure (*Key)

Global Rank:

G5 - Secure (*Key)

Notes:

"The Common Milkweed is the plant that most people associate with the word 'milkweed.' This is a tall and conspicuous species that sometimes forms large clones. The umbels bear large balls of pink to purplish flowers that have an attractive odor." Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center

It is suitable for large areas, such as meadows and for large butterfly gardens. It spread vigorously and is hard to get rid of.

Bloom

Black Mountain

image

M Baumeister

Bloom Closeup

image

M Baumeister

Early flower bud development

Garden in Orange County, NC

The Scientific Name is Asclepias syriaca. You will likely hear them called Common Milkweed. This picture shows the Early flower bud development of Asclepias syriaca

Bettina Darveaux

In full glory! Has a wonderful fragrance too.

Orange County, NC

The Scientific Name is Asclepias syriaca. You will likely hear them called Common Milkweed. This picture shows the In full glory! Has a wonderful fragrance too. of Asclepias syriaca

Bettina Darveaux

Close-up of flower

Garden in Orange County, NC

The Scientific Name is Asclepias syriaca. You will likely hear them called Common Milkweed. This picture shows the Close-up of flower of Asclepias syriaca

Bettina Darveaux

Feasting Monarch butterfly caterpillars

Garden in Orange County, NC

The Scientific Name is Asclepias syriaca. You will likely hear them called Common Milkweed. This picture shows the Feasting Monarch butterfly caterpillars of Asclepias syriaca

Bettina Darveaux

Seeds releasing from mature fruit (follicle).

Orange County, NC

The Scientific Name is Asclepias syriaca. You will likely hear them called Common Milkweed. This picture shows the Seeds releasing from mature fruit (follicle). of Asclepias syriaca

Bettina Darveaux

Developing fruit (follicle) in July

Garden in Orange County, NC

The Scientific Name is Asclepias syriaca. You will likely hear them called Common Milkweed. This picture shows the Developing fruit (follicle) in July of Asclepias syriaca

Bettina Darveaux

Plant emerging in the Spring. A hefty plant with a thick stem and large elliptical-shaped, thick leaves. All parts of the plant contain white sap.

Orange Co., NC

The Scientific Name is Asclepias syriaca. You will likely hear them called Common Milkweed. This picture shows the Plant emerging in the Spring. A hefty plant with a thick stem and large elliptical-shaped, thick leaves. All parts of the plant contain white sap. of Asclepias syriaca

Bettina Darveaux

Usually occurs in very dense stands.

Orange Co., NC

The Scientific Name is Asclepias syriaca. You will likely hear them called Common Milkweed. This picture shows the  Usually occurs in very dense stands.  of Asclepias syriaca

Bettina Darveaux

Milkweed seeds, harvested at the Daniel Boone Native Gardens.

Watauga Co., NC

The Scientific Name is Asclepias syriaca. You will likely hear them called Common Milkweed. This picture shows the Milkweed seeds, harvested at the Daniel Boone Native Gardens. of Asclepias syriaca

Annkatrin Rose

A field of senesced Asclepias syriaca dispersing its seeds.

Confluence Natural Area, Orange Co., NC

The Scientific Name is Asclepias syriaca. You will likely hear them called Common Milkweed. This picture shows the A field of senesced <em>Asclepias syriaca</em> dispersing its seeds. of Asclepias syriaca

Bettina Darveaux

Links:

USDA PLANTS Database Record



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