Common Name:
common
milkweed
Scientific Name:
Asclepias syriaca
Family Name:
Asclepiadaceae
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Milkweed Family
Life Cycle
native perennial, reproducing by seed and rhizomes
Stems
sturdy, pubescent, seldom branching, hollow; often red late season
Leaves
opposite, oblong, prominently veined, smooth above, fine short white hairs below
Flowers
5-petaled, pinkish purple to white, sweet smelling; singly on long stalks arranged in globe-shaped, dropping clusters; axillary above; corona present between reproductive parts and petal
Seedpods
elongate, 3 to 4 inches, grayish, somewhat spongy, covered with soft-spined projections; seeds flattened, silky parachute
