Characteristics:  

Their 8 inch long “broad-oblong, reddish-veined, light green leaves” (MBG) grow opposite each other along the slightly hairy stem that can reach up to 4 feet in height without branching. The leaves are toothless, with a point at the end, and have a soft, hairy underside. The veins branch out from the central vein, however never reach the edge of the leaf, creating a border effect. These leaves are the only source of habitat and food for Monarch Butterfly larvae. Inflorescences are domed, hanging umbels of dusty pink flowers appearing in the leaf axils along the top portion of the stem. Pods about 2 to 4 inches long form from the flowers that are somewhat rough and covered in bumps and open as the plant matures and the pod dries. Inside are seeds arranged similarly to fish scales, each attached to a tuft of silky hairs that act as a parachute as fall winds carry the seeds across the landscape. 

Milkweed is named after the milky latex substance that secretes when the plant is wounded. This substance deters nibbling animals and irritates the skin of some humans. This milky substance has been used medicinally to treat warts, ringworm, bee stings, and other skin related irritations. 

Medicinal Uses

The roots of milkweed can be harvested between October and November and made into a tincture or tea. It is a great treatment for coughs as it is antispasmodic, and liquefies mucus secretions. It has also been known to aid in treating bronchitis, asthma, pleurisy, and tuberculosis. Milkweed stimulates general circulation which makes it a diaphoretic, increasing sweat and circulation to regulate temperatures when a fever is present. Similarly, milkweed is a lymphatic, encouraging lymph drainage. It also increases movement through the stomach and digestive system.  

Etymology:

Asclepias refers to the Greek god Asklepios, the god of medicine. The epithet syriaca is latin, meaning of Syrian origins.

Cultural:

The Meskwaki, a Native American tribe historically located in the St. Lawrence River Valley, have traditionally steamed the flower buds which are nutritional, however not particularly flavorful. The stalk of Common Milkweed contains fibers that can be harvested and used to make coarse and sturdy cords, ropes, and cloth. The young shoots, about 6 inches high or under, can be eaten if boiled and have been considered a common vegetable for many Native American tribes in eastern and mid-western America.

 Asclepias syriaca Common Milkweed

Family: Apocynaceae

Type: Herbaceous Perennial

Height: 2’ - 3’  

Spread: ¾’ to 1’

Bloom: pink, mauve, white; June to August

Water: dry to medium

Sunlight: full sun

Tolerates: deer, drought, erosion, dry soil, shallow-rocky soil

Propagation: seed spreading and rhizomatous

Plant Communities