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Common Milkweed, also known as Silkweed or Wild Cotton, is a native plant found in the Algonquin Highlands in open fields and roadsides. Its young shoots are sometimes called Wild Asparagus. Consumption of this plant is not recommended as it is considered to be toxic. Monarch butterfly larva exclusively eat this plant; the glycosides make the adults poisonous to their predators.
From June to August, this perennial grows to heights of 60 to 150 cm. It has round clusters of 20-130 pinkish-purple flowers. They produce nectar that attracts many insects and butterflies, including the Monarch, who lay their eggs on the leaves.
The oval-shaped leaves, about 10-30 cm in length, alternate along its stem that has fine hairs. This stem, when broken, excretes a milky sap. Once the flowers have been pollinated the fruit (seeds) are grown in a tear-shaped, green pod that is 8 to 13 cm long. Inside there are 50-60 seeds, which are 6-10 mm long, and have a tuft of silky hair, used like an umbrella to carry them away in the wind.
Various parts of this plant, from the seeds to the root, have been used in medicinal applications. However, as said before, it is highly toxic and not recommended to be used for any medication.
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