Common Milkweed

Asclepias Syriaca.  There are thirteen milkweed varieties found in Wisconsin and this stuff grows all over the place.  Along the driveway, in the flower beds, in the native planting and along the trails.  It is ubiquitous.

click on image to enlarge




It is a host plant for the Monarch butterfly and because the sap of the plant contains cardiac glycosides the Monarch caterpillars are toxic to birds.  If you don't believe me tast the sap sometime.  You're heart will begin to race and you'll have hot flashes.  Maybe even pass out.

The local orioles use the fibers that make up the plant stems to weave their nests.