Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca)

Family: Milkweed Family (Asclepiadaceae)

Other Names: Silkweed

Origin: Native

Historic First Bloom Seen: June 27*

GPS For Stand: N 39°04.454' W 84°24.962'

Interesting Facts: DO NOT EAT THIS PLANT!!! As the name suggests, Milkweed refers to the milky sap that exudes from the stem. This substance is toxic. The Monarch Butterfly caterpiller, which feeds on the sap, is colored as a warning sign to other animals that if ingested, this caterpillar will make the animal very sick.

*Average bloom time is based on a compilation of wildflower bloom times from 1975 to present.