NPS Photo Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) This native plant, along with other plants in the milkweed family, is a host plant for the Monarch butterfly. Milkweed is named for its milky sap which contains toxic chemicals. Monarch caterpillars feed on milkweed and store the toxins in their tissues. The toxins make both the caterpillars and the butterflies distasteful to potential predators. In late summer, milkweed develops pods containing fluffy seeds similar to a dandelion's. The pods open and the fluffy seeds are borne on the wind to grow in new areas throughout Gateway and beyond. |
Last updated: April 11, 2022