Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) Linnaeus, 1753

 

Synonyms: Asclepias apocinum, Asclepias capitellata, Asclepias cornuti, Asclepias fragrans, Asclepias globosa, Asclepias grandifolia, Asclepias illinoensis, Asclepias intermedia, Asclepias kansana, Asclepias pubescens, Asclepias pubigera, Asclepias serica, Kansas Milkweed, silkweed, silky swallow-wort, Virginia silkweed

 

 

Asclepias syriaca is native to southern Canada and much of the central and eastern United States; it has been introduced to the western USA and elsewhere. The name “syriaca” relates to misinterpretation of the plant’s origin by Linnaeus. Common Milkweed grows in riparian habitats, old fields, on roadsides, etc. It likely has expanded its range following European settlement of North America, but many native populations have decreased since the late 20th century, e.g., because of use of herbicides. Asclepias syriaca is primary food source for caterpillars of the Monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus), and also a suite of other insects.

 

		D59288 Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) Burnt Lands Provincial Park Ontario, Canada Copyright © Michael Patrikeev All Rights Reserved
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		D45662 Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) Bruce Peninsula Ontario, Canada Copyright © Michael Patrikeev All Rights Reserved

 

		7633 Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) Long Point, Ontario, Canada Copyright © Michael Patrikeev All Rights Reserved
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