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Asclepias syriaca

Species category

Weed

Common name

common milkweed

Diagnostic characters

Planting unit

True seedTrue seed:
A mature fertilized ovule consisting of an embryo, with or without and external food reserve (e.g., endosperm) enclosed by the testa.

Shape

SpatulateSpatulate:
Having a narrow base and rounded apex. Pear-shaped.
 or obovateObovate:
Inverted egg shaped with apical end the broadest.

Size

  • Length: 8 mm
  • Width: 6 mm
  • Thickness: 1 mm

Color

Light brown; center darker brown.

Texture

Rough, rugulose and paper-like

Other structures

Margin winged.

Identification notes

Flat, winged, obovateObovate:
Inverted egg shaped with apical end the broadest.
, narrowing at the base. Base sometimes associated with a tuft of plumose hairs which are easily broken off.

Noxious weed seed categories

State Noxious Weed: Hawaii

AOSA examination list

Included

More information

For more information, see ISMA fact sheet.

Nomenclature

Family

Asclepiadaceae

Valid name

Asclepias syriaca L.

Synonyms

Asclepias intermedia Vail
Asclepias kansana Vail
Asclepias syriaca L. var. kansana (Vail) Palmer & Steyerm.

Asclepias syriaca.  Flat, winged, obovate, narrowing at the base. The base is sometimes associated with a tuft of plumose hairs that break off easily.
Asclepias syriaca. Flat, winged, obovate, narrowing at the base. The base is sometimes associated with a tuft of plumose hairs that break off easily.