Common Milkweed - Asclepias syriaca
 
 
Common Milkweed, scientifically known as Asclepias syriaca, is a perennial herbaceous plant native to North America. It thrives in various habitats including fields, meadows, and roadsides, preferring well-drained soils. The plant produces clusters of fragrant, pink to purple flowers from late spring to early summer, attracting a diverse array of pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and beetles. Common Milkweed is a crucial host plant for the Monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus), as its leaves are the primary food source for Monarch caterpillars. The plant is known for its milky sap and distinctive seed pods filled with silky fibers that disperse in the wind. It plays a vital role in supporting pollinator populations and is valued for its ecological significance and ornamental appeal in native plant gardens.