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Common Milkweed
Asclepias syriaca
40.6467, -73.5061
Field Notes
Description:
Erect plant with large, oval shaped, simple leaves. Very fine hairs on plant. Flowers occur in large umbels and are purple. Seeds have long, flossy hairs and occur in pods before dispersing. All parts of the plant produce a milky sap when damaged (see picture #4).
Habitat:
Cedar Creek County Park, New York. Growing along a brush line near a marsh in a less used area of the park.
Notes:
I searched valiantly for Monarch caterpillars to no avail. Apparently new shoots, leaves, flower buds and firm seed pods are edible, but care must be taken to prepare properly since the sap is very bitter and poisonous (only toxic in large quantities). Whole plant has many uses. The fibers are strong and durable and can be used to make rope and cord or cloth! Native Americans have used plant medicinally as well. Native to North America.
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