Asclepias syriaca - Common milkweed

Morphology/Growth habits: Perennial wildflower boasting spherical clusters of small pink flowers that have a long bloom time and subtle fragrance. Upright form, light green leaves with distinct reddish veins. Develops a taproot that makes it hardy against dry soils. Quick to establish, spread by seed and rhizomes, and is the most competitive of the Milkweeds. 

Height: 3-5 ft

Light: Full Sun-Part Sun

Moisture: Medium

Bloom color: Pink

Bloom time: June-July

Habitat/Best Environments: Occurs in fields, prairies, and open woods, and is quick to spread in disturbed sites. Tolerant of poor and dry soils and drought-resistant, making it a resilient addition to a pollinator garden.

Ecological relationships: Larval host for Monarch butterflies, who lay eggs exclusively on Milkweed plants. Sap inside leaves and stems is toxic to mammals, making it resistant to deer & rabbits. Contact with sap may cause irritation, and ingestion of large quantities will cause stomach issues.