Common Names:
- Common Milkweed
- Butterfly Flower
Phonetic Spelling:
as-KLEE-pee-us see-REE-ah-kuh
Description:
Common Milkweed is a perennial plant that grows up to 5 feet tall. It has broad, ovate leaves and clusters of pink to purplish flowers that are highly fragrant. The leaves are large, oval, and opposite, with a smooth margin and a prominent midrib. The flowers are small, star-shaped, and form in spherical clusters. They have a pleasant fragrance and are a crucial nectar source for many pollinators. The fruit is a large, warty pod that contains numerous seeds with silky hairs, aiding in wind dispersal.
Distribution/Location:
Native to North America, particularly the eastern and central United States.
Environmental Benefits (SUPER IMPORTANT):
- Pollinator Support: Milkweed is the primary host plant for the Monarch butterfly caterpillar, making it essential for the survival of this iconic species.
- Soil Restoration: Milkweed can thrive in poor soils, helping to stabilize and restore degraded lands.
- Carbon Sequestration: Like other perennials, it helps sequester carbon dioxide, contributing to climate change mitigation.
Fun Fact:
The silky fibers of the Milkweed pod were used during World War II as a substitute for kapok in life jackets because of their buoyancy.
Leave a Reply