Fields, pastures, roadsides, and other open, disturbed habitats. Common throughout Virginia
Common milkweed not only provides nectar for butterflies, bees, and other pollinators but is a larval host plant for Monarch butterflies and the milkweed tussock moth. Also fed upon by the milkweed weevil and milkweed longhorn beetle.
Interesting seed pods; fragrant flower. It propagates easily by seed or root cuttings and will naturalize in the garden and may be aggressive in a garden setting
High Value Generalist
Earth Sangha lists this plant as a "High Value Generalist" because it is easy to grow, occurs across a wide range of habitats and is known to be of high value to wildlife
Can cause stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, weakness, lethargy, and confusion if eaten in quantity. Milky sap can cause contact dermatitis and eye irritation
My Native Garden
Put together a printable/downloadable list of plants that you have in your garden.