Asclepias syriaca, Common Milkweed or Virginia Milkweed

A rough, spreading Eastern North American native perennial. It grows typically to 3 feet tall on thick stems with broad light green leaves to 8 inches long. Late-spring into mid-summer brings fragrant, pinkish-purple domed flowers with a charming, slight droop. Flowers give way to seed pods (2-4" long) which ripen to split open and release their loads of silky-tailed seeds that float on the winds. Many types of butterflies visit the flowers for nectar and the leaves are a crucial food source for monarch butterfly caterpillars.This plant can spread vigorously; many consider it too thuggish for a mixed border. Mature size: 2-3 ft T x 1-2 ft W; spreads via underground rhizomes Minimum temperature: -40° F