Common Milkweed seeds

Common Milkweed is an important plant because so many species of insects depend on it. Monarch Butterflies, Milkwee Bugs, and Milkweed Leaf Beetles only eat milkweed, and could not survive without it. Many other species of insects use milkweed as theirprimary food source, or as a major food source.

Common Milkweed grows up to six feet tall. It has large, broad leaves, usually four to ten inches long. They sometimes have red veins.

This plant is found in fields, gardens, and along roads.

Common Milkweed flowers are pinkish-purple clusters which often droop.

Fruits are green pods which turn brown before bursting open to let out fluffy seeds.