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Milkweed (Common)

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Asclepias syriaca

Habitat

They are found in fields and roadsides.

Description

They have small, pink, sweet-smelling flowers in thick bunches (clusters) on top of the plant. The flowers grow into bumpy, green pods. In the fall, the pods burst open and downy seeds fly away. The large leaves are woolly underneath, like the stems. Broken stems leak sticky, white juice. They bloom June through August.

Taxonomic Features (Traits) for Identification

Flower Type: Flowers each have 5 petals and spurs clustered into an umbel on top of the plant
Flower Color: Pinkish-purple
Leaf Arrangement: Opposite
Plant Type: Wildflower (Tall - 1-3 feet)
Leaf Type: Large, oblong, entire (smooth edged) and downy underneath
Stem: Hairy, greenish-purple and when broken bleeds a bitter, white, sticky substance

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