Milkweed

Asclepias syriaca (Asclepiadaceae)

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Form: Herbaceous; up to 150cm tall.

Origins: Native

Identifying Features: 3-12 inch leaves, opposite and oblong. White latex leaks from any cut in the plant.

Trivial Facts: Habitat for Monarch Butterflies. Caterpillars feed on the leaves, gaining toxicity from the latex. This makes them less appetizing to predators throughout the remainder of their lives.