Milkweed, Common
Asclepias syriaca
Family: Asclepiadaceae
Annual. Native to the central, eastern and southern United States.
The plant is handsomely downy, with large eliptical leaves, warty pods,
and pink-purple flowers which emit one of the most delightful odors on
earth. The spring shoots are edible, but as the plant matures the
milky latex grows stronger in activity and should not be taken internally,
but may be used for wart removal. The tea of the roots is a Native
American laxative and contraceptive. Cultivation: Easy.
Sow seed directly in the garden in early spring or start in flats or pots
and transplant. Space plants 1 foot apart. Flowers from 3 to 4 feet
tall. This is the Milkweed we will send you if you don’t specify
type.
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