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Asclepias tuberosa
Butterflies are attracted to this plant by its bright color and nectar. The larval food plant of the Queen and Monarch butterflies, it infuses these larva with the toxins which create the bitter taste that repulses their predators. Hummingbirds, bees and other insects are also attracted; some of these insects feed exclusively on milkweeds and their relatives.
Native to eastern North America. Favors dry, sand or gravel soil, but has also been reported on stream margins. Requires full sun. Spotted on top of Kennesaw Mountain.
Extracts supposedly Native Americans as an expectorant for wet coughs and other pulmonary ailments
Spotted on Jun 10, 2013
Submitted on Oct 16, 2013
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