Asclepias tuberosa

Milkweed, Flame Weed, Butterfly Weed, Gay Butterflies, Pleurisy Root
Family: Apocynaceae (Formerly:Asclepiadaceae)
Subfamily: Asclepiadoideae
Origin: North America
USDA Zone: 3-9?

Plant attracts butterflies, hummingbirds

Ethnomedical plant.
Plants marked as ethnomedical and/or described as medicinal, are not offered as medicine but rather as ornamentals or plant collectibles.
Ethnomedical statements / products have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. We urge all customers to consult a physician before using any supplements, herbals or medicines advertised here or elsewhere.

Subtropical or temperate zone plant. Mature plant cold hardy at least to 30s F for a short time

The extremely bright color make it easy to spot. Like most milkweeds the juice is milky white. Long bloom period from late spring throughout the summer. Flowers are a nectar source for many butterflies and leaves are a food source for monarch butterfly larvae (caterpillars). Drought-tolerant. Listed in the U. S. Pharmacopeia in the 19th century the root was once widely used for lung problems such as asthma and bronchitis. Contains cardiac glycosides which are toxic in large amounts.

Similar plants:

Asclepias curassavica (Milkweed)
Asclepias incarnata (Swamp Milkweed, Rose Milkweed, Swamp Silkweed)
Asclepias oenotheroides (Zizotes Milkweed, Longhorn Milkweed, Side-cluster Milkweed, Primrose Milkweed, Lindheimer's Milkweed)
Asclepias perennis (Aquatic Milkweed, White Swamp Milkweed)
Asclepias sp. (Milkweed)
Gomphocarpus physocarpus, Asclepias physocarpa (Baloonplant, Cotton Bush, Swan Plant, Balloon Plant, Family Jewels Milkweed Tree)

Image gallery: 8 images

Link to this plant:

https://toptropicals.com/catalog/uid/asclepias_tuberosa.htm