Asclepias syriaca (Fr: asclépiade commune| En: common milkweed)

Description:

Common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca), is our most common milkweed. However, it is still a beautiful plant with an amazing lilac-like smell.

The common milkweed grows up to 1.5 meters tall with a thick stem and broad leaves that are arranged in pairs. In the summer, it produces clusters of pink to purple flowers that attract a wide range of pollinators, including butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. The plant also serves as a host for the monarch butterfly, providing the only food source for its larvae. It also supports many other less known insects such as Red milkweed beetles. 

Milkweeds produce a milky sap that is somewhat poisonous and may irritate the skin. It is a very easy to grow plant, that will reliably flower if it is in a sunny enough location. Note that it likes to form colonies so make sure it has enough space to spread. However, it can be easily controlled through mowing, and other methods. 

Height: Up to 1.5 meters

Habitat: Fields, meadows, along roadsides, in disturbed areas

Sun requirements: Full sun

Moisture requirements: Dry to moist

Soil requirements: Well-drained, various soil types