JULY-AUGUST

Common Milkweed Asclepias syriaca) L. (MILKWEED FAMILY)

Common milkweed is a robust, upright perennial 2-5 ft tall. The opposite leaves are broadly ovate, 3-5 in. long and 3-4 in. wide, with an entire margin. The leaves are finely soft-hairy and have a greenish-blue color. The inflorescence consists of several umbels of purplish-pink to greenish-white flowers from the upper nodes. The pods are large and erect, 2-4 in. long and up to 1 inch in diameter. Livestock may be poisoned by eating it.