Asclepias tuberosa (Milkweed)

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.