Common milkweed. | Photo: University of Kentucky's College of Agriculture

Life Cycle: Perennial
Origin: North America
Poisonous: Yes

Common milkweed, sometimes called milkweed, occurs throughout North America except in the extreme southern, southwestern, and far western states. This deep-rooted perennial broadleaf weed can reach four to five feet in height, and mature plants are woody at the base of the plant. This species is frequently found in pastures, edges of woods, and roadsides. It reproduces from seeds and buds on a deep root.

Twenty to 130 small greenish-white to greenish-purple flowers typically bloom at the common milkweed’s terminal (tip of the stem). Leaves and stems contain a white, milky sap. A mature plant produces leaves that are opposite along a stout stem and might also produce several fruits, each containing many seeds. At maturity, the fruit opens and wind disperses the seeds