Podcast Episode Details
Back to Podcast EpisodesGet To Know: Milkweed
Season 1 Episode 16
How to Identify Milkweed (Common Milkweed – Asclepias syriaca)
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Plant Type | Perennial herb |
| Height | 2–6 feet tall |
| Stem | Thick, upright, often reddish or green with fine hairs |
| Leaves | Large, oval, opposite, 4–9 inches long, with prominent central veins; emit a white milky sap when broken |
| Flowers | Globular clusters of pink to purplish-pink blooms, fragrant, blooming in early to mid-summer |
| Fruit | Long, horned seed pods that split open to release silky tufts attached to seeds |
| Habitat | Roadsides, fields, open meadows, disturbed ground—native to most of eastern and central North America |
Important Note:
There are over 70 species of milkweed, and some are toxic or bitter. Common milkweed is the most commonly used species and the safest when correctly prepared.
I have planted milkweed seeds for years without any ever germinating, but planting a live plant one time has given me a large patch of milkweed in our yard. Personally I recommend finding a plant locally, but due to laws and ordinances against taking wildflowers in some regions, you may also buy live plants at Amazon through my affiliate link here.
Historical Uses of Milkweed
Indigenous Medicine & Utility
- Native American tribes used milkweed for lung issues, warts, digestive distress, and rheumatism.
- The sap (latex) was applied topically for ringworm and warts.
- Roots used as a diuretic, expectorant, and vermifuge (worm expeller).
- Fibers from stems were made into cordage, nets, and textiles.
Wartime Use (WWII)
- Milkweed silk fibers were used as a kapok substitute to fill life jackets and flight suits due to their buoyancy.
- The U.S. government encouraged children to collect milkweed pods for this effort.
Published on 3Â months, 1Â week ago