Asclepias syriaca, otherwise known as common milkweed, is the most common species of milkweed on the Preserve. It is native throughout most of the eastern United States. Its large flower heads, which provide ample nectar, can vary from pure white to a dark pink.
Milkweeds act as a required host plant for the monarch butterfly and many other species like milkweed bugs, milkweed beetles, and milkweed tussock moths. They provide ample nectar for bees, wasps, butterflies and moths. Because of their popularity among insects, milkweeds also serve as important hunting grounds for predators like spiders and praying mantids.
Common milkweed looks similar to other milkweeds but it is the largest and most common of all milkweeds on the Preserve. It can be a very tall plant with large leaves and large round flower heads.
Blooms in | summer |
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Color | pink, white |
Habitat | prairie |
Status | native |