Asclepias Syriaca
Apocynaceae family
Silkweed, Butterfly flower, Silky swallow-wort
Interesting Properties
Figure 1. Mature milkweed pod splits. Photo by Link Hendricks, Oct. 24, 2022.
Common milkweed is a ‘fugitive species’ – defined as a species living in an unstable environment and possesses a strong dispersal ability. The common milkweed lacks the ability to compete with other species, as it requires assistance from natural events to prosper. Their appearance and persistence are dependent on their environment, often populating disturbed sites. The common milkweed also has a rapid dispersal rate; as the pods on the plant mature, they eventually split, releasing up to 200 seeds into the wind (Figure 1).
Interests for Insects
The common milkweed is found in a broad range of habitats, spanning from croplands, pastures, roadsides, ditches, and old fields. Despite its toxic properties, the common milkweed is utilized by all aspects of nature; providing shelter, food, and protection to over 450 insects, prominently butterflies and caterpillars (see Figure 2), many can process the toxic cardiac glycosides, deeming them inedible to predators. Monarch butterflies are the most prominent insect to utilize the plant’s toxic properties against birds.
Figure 2. Caterpillar eating Common Milkweed. Photo by: Courtney Celley August 11, 2018.
Edibility & Uses for Humans
Throughout history, Native Americans and early settlers have utilized the common milkweed’s properties as a remedy for various ailments and as a food source. Cautious preparation is necessary for consumption – the plant will be mildly toxic in incorrectly prepared and consumed in excessive quantities. Ensure to discard any boiled water used to prepare the plant and do not consume any part of it after it has matured for the year. It was a valued medicinal plant in the treatment of asthma, kidney and, gallstones, ringworm and, warts, also used as an emetic, diuretic, laxative and, contraceptive. Along with the medicinal uses, the silk from the pods can be used as a fiber in rope or fabric. While the plant has beneficial properties and attributes, they are not commonly used for medicinal purposes to this day.
Location
Common milkweed is a plant native to North America and Canada, populating the majority of the country with the exception of a few Western states and Northern Canada.
Description
Characterized by its thick, broad, green leaves that circle their way up the thin, green stem; the small violet and pale pink flowers that are arranged in 2-4-inch spherical balls, periodically displaced along the plant stem; each cluster consists of roughly 30 pink flowers in the bunch, which each contain five petals; the distinct green, spiky pods form during the late spring and summer, and in late fall they begin to dry out and disperse.