Common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) is a tall, native North American perennial plant celebrated for its fragrant pink flower clusters, milky white sap, and distinctive large bumpy seed pods. As the essential host plant for monarch butterfly survival, it plays a vital role in supporting pollinator populations. Key plant features include its adaptability to various soil types, drought tolerance, and ability to attract a diverse array of pollinators. By planting Common milkweed, you contribute to the preservation of pollinators and help maintain the delicate balance between people and the natural world. SLM NBH is proud to promote this species as part of our commitment to protecting pollinators for future generations.

Key Plant Features

• Height: Average 3 to 5 feet tall

• Leaves: Large, broad, oval-shaped leaves growing in opposite pairs along a thick, unbranched stem

• Flowers: Ball-shaped clusters (umbels) of sweet-smelling, pink to lavender flowers blooming in midsummer

• Sap: A milky, sticky fluid that exudes from broken stems or leaves, containing toxins that deter many general grazers

• Pods: Large, grayish, warty pods that split open in the fall to release wind-borne seeds attached to silky fluff.