'Common milkweed' is a common name for 'Asclepias syriaca'. Other common names include 'Butterfly flower', 'Silkweed', 'Silky Swallow-wort', and 'Virginia Silkweed'. A favorite among the names is 'Butterfly flower'. That's because the wildflower's leaves are food sources for the caterpillar stage of the Monarch butterfly [Danaus plexippus]. Its nectar is a food source for the butterfly.
The milky liquid that's within the plant, and which the caterpillars access, results in foul-tasting Monarch butterfly caterpillars and Monarch Butterflies. In fact, nature's predators are warned, because of the butterfly's bright colors. Specifically, in nature, Oranges and fire-engine reds often advise potential predators of disgusting or toxic tastes.
Asclepias syriaca
Asclepias syriaca
Asclepias syriaca
The scientific or taxonomic name would be Asclepias syriaca.
Kingdom: Plantae Phylum: Angiosperms Class: Eudicots/Asterids Order: Gentianales Family: Asclepiadoideae Genus: Asclepias Species: Asclepias Syriaca
You can buy asclepias syriaca plants in Houston at local nurseries or garden centers that specialize in native plants. Some places to check out include Buchanan's Native Plants, Joshua's Native Plants & Garden Antiquities, and Cornelius Nursery. It's best to call ahead to see if they have the specific plants in stock.
Yes, common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) is known to be allelopathic, meaning it releases chemicals that inhibit the growth of nearby plants. This can give the milkweed a competitive advantage in its environment.
Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) has been used by the Mohawk Indians to treat warts. Take the white latex type sap and place on the wart several times a day. The latex will take on a dark appearance, this is normal.
Calopteryx syriaca was created in 1842.
Milkweed products can refer to items made from the fibers or seeds of the milkweed plant. Common milkweed products include milkweed floss used as insulation, milkweed oil, and milkweed seed pods used in crafts. Milkweed is also a crucial source of food for monarch butterflies.
The hydrangea
'Asclepias syriaca' is the scientific, Latin or binomial name for 'common milkweed'. Other common names include 'Butterfly flower', 'Silkweed', 'Silky Swallow-wort', and 'Virginia Silkweed'. But whether the scientific or common names are used, the wildflower is colorfully attractive to Monarch butterflies [Danaus plexippus], distasteful to wildlife, and popular and unpopular with environmentalists.Specifically, it's an environmentally useful plant. For example, above-ground plant parts if thoroughly cooked may be eaten. Nectar may serve as natural sweetener. Seed oil may be converted into the cinamic acid of the best sunscreens.But the plant also may be downright environmentally unfriendly. Granted it's critical to the survival of Monarchs. Granted it tends to clear an area of foraging and predatory wildlife. Granted there tends therefore to be less damage to other herbaceous and woody plants.But just as the plant is selective in whom it feeds, so is it selective about whom it shares space with. It's a colorful, enthusiastic ground cover that's responsible for better looks and better soil health to such disturbed areas as roadsides, old fields and ditches. But it may not be a big fan of or help to area biodiversity.