Common Milkweed

Common Milkweed

Asclepias syriaca

Common Milkweed is a native cool season perennial herb growing from a deep rhizome. Common milkweed grows in sandy, clayey, or rocky, chalky soils. It occurs along the banks or flood plains of lakes, ponds, and waterways, in prairies, forest margins, roadsides, and waste places. This plant grows throughout the Great Plains. It is ideal in semi-dry places where it can spread without presenting problems for other ornamental species. The abundant nectar of milkweed flowers attracts hummingbirds, butterflies, honey bees, native bees, and other beneficial insects. Animals avoid milkweed if other forage is available.