Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca)
Dogbane Family (Apocynaceae)

Habitat:

This plant grows in dry fields. The plants grow to a height of 3 or 4 feet tall.

Leaves:

Oppositely arranged, green on top and light green on bottom. When the leaves or stems are broken, they exude a milky sap.

Flowers:

Small, light pink to mauve in color, growing in a large, round, drooping cluster.

Fruit:

A bumpy green pod that's 3-4 inches in length. When mature, the pods open up and release the fluffy seeds to be carried by the wind.

Helpful Tips:

This plant grows native from New Brunswick, south to Georgia, and as far west as Oklahima. For more information, see Audubon Wildflower or Flora of Maine.