Common Milkweed
Asclepias syriaca
Photo Citation
Naturedigger provided all images of common milkweed for this slide.
Asclepias syriaca Profile
Common Name(s):
common milkweed
Virginia silk
silky swallowwort
Scientific Name:
Asclepias syriaca
Native Range:
United States:
AL, AR, CT, DC, DE, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VA, VT, WI, WV
Canada:
Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador *uncommon
USDA Symbol:
ASSY
Habitat:
• old fields
• roadsides
• disturbed or waste areas
Growing Conditions:
• full sun
• sandy or clayey soils
• well-drained loamy soils
• moist soil
Plant Height:
• 3-6 feet (1-2 meters)
Stem Description:
Leaf Description:
• 4-8 inches (10-20 centimeters) long
• 2-4 inches (5-10 centimeters) wide
• shape varies from oblong, ovate to lanceolate
• top of leaf is often darker and richer in color than the bottom
Leaf Arrangement:
• opposite
Leaf Margin:
• entire
Leaf Surface:
• top is smooth and medium to dark green
• underside is woolly and light green
Flowering Period:
June through August
Flower Description:
• drooping umbels with up to 100 flowers (generally less)
• white, purple, light pink or yellow flowers
• petals reflexed backwards
• white, pink or yellow hoods and horns
Pod Description:
• 3-4 inches (7-10 centimeters) long
• covered with hair and soft spikes
• wide in the middle and tapered at the end
Other Information:
• extremely fragrant
To Locate and Purchase Seeds (when available):
Xerces Society Milkweed Seed Finder
Milkweed and Wildflower Vendors
For More Information About This Species Visit:
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Xerces Regional Milkweed Guide