Asclepias syriaca L.
Common Milkweed
Common milkweed is a clonal perennial forb that grows up to 1.8 meters (5 feet 11 inches) tall. It is known for its milky latex sap and broad, ovate-lanceolate leaves that are opposite or sometimes whorled. The leaves have entire, undulate margins and reddish main veins with velvety undersides. The fragrant flowers are typically pinkish or purplish and occur in umbellate cymes, with individual flowers about 1 cm in diameter. The seeds are equipped with long, white flossy hairs and are contained within large follicles.
Details
Gentianales
Apocynaceae
Asclepias
The plant's latex contains cardiac glycosides, which make the leaves and stems toxic to humans and large animals. The young shoots, young leaves, flower buds, and immature fruits are edible when properly prepared to remove bitterness and toxicity.
Common milkweed is a crucial food source for monarch butterfly caterpillars and over 450 other insect species. It has been studied as a source of rubber from its latex and fiber from seed floss. Traditionally, it was used to treat respiratory infections such as pleurisy.
Mid-summer
Late fall to early spring after cold stratification
Up to 1.8 meters (5 feet 11 inches)
Pinkish or purplish
Sandy soils and other kinds of soils in sunny areas, including prairies and disturbed sites.
Info
Pannon Flora Ltd. was founded on December 13, 1999, by Gábor Janik, who retains 95% ownership. Janik holds an MSc in Horticulture from the University of Horticultural Sciences (1986) and an Advanced Professional English Certification from the College of International Trade (1990). The company specializes in bird feed production and export, primarily serving markets in Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, and the UK, alongside cultivating and distributing imported/exported horticultural seeds. It maintains exclusive partnerships with JOEUN Seed (South Korea) and Takii Europe (Japan), a leader in professional seed breeding and production. Pannon Flora collaborates with certification bodies such as NÉBIH (National Food Chain Safety Office), MERT Kontroll, and SGS Hungary to ensure compliance and quality. The company works with approximately 400 Hungarian growers, ranging from small-scale producers (under 5 hectares) to mid-sized farms and large-scale agricultural enterprises. This profile emphasizes agribusiness expertise, technical partnerships, and operational scalability tailored to international client needs.
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