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Milkweed

Ascelpias syriaca

Published on Project Noah
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45.9869, -70.9124

Species ID Suggestions

Common Milkweed

Ascelpias syriaca

Reference Link
TamLar
2

Comments (2)
TamLar
This plant is very important in prairie and insect ecology. The white latex like liquid is an alkaloid which can be highly irritating to the eyes and helps protect the insects that eat this plant. The best known of these insects is the Monarch Butterfly, when eaten by a predator the butterfly, or similar insect, is ejected from the mouth of the predator because of the taste caused by the liquid in the milkweed.

Spotted for Missions

Mission
Seeds and Seed Pods
Photographed
PublishedAugust 23, 2011

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