Common Milkweed Plant. Native americans used the young leaves and stems as well as the buds of this species as food. Most species are toxic to humans and many other species primarily due to the presence of cardenolides although as with many such plants there are species that feed upon them i e.
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Common milkweed is a very common plant of meadows and prairies ranging from north dakota to maine and south to oklahoma and south carolina. Asclepias is a genus of herbaceous perennial flowering plants known as milkweeds named for their latex a milky substance containing cardiac glycosides termed cardenolides exuded where cells are damaged. I ve seen syriaca plants growing in nearby local parks so i know it s at least possible for the seeds to have reached my yard.
Common milkweed is especially common in areas with a history of disturbance and plants are abundant along roadways and drives where the grass isn t mown or sprayed.
Most species are toxic to humans and many other species primarily due to the presence of cardenolides although as with many such plants there are species that feed upon them i e. The outer bark was also used to make cord thread and bowstrings. Common milkweed is nature s mega food market for insects. I ve seen syriaca plants growing in nearby local parks so i know it s at least possible for the seeds to have reached my yard.
