3. Asclepias syriaca - Common Milkweed
Our nature walk last week revealed many things that I didn't realize I knew! One was this, the common milkweed. I'm not sure I would have been so quick to recognize it had I not been immersed in milkweed caterpillar readings, but I'm pleased that I did, anyway!
The large pods are quite distinctive, thick and heavy-looking, with spiny protrusions in rows along its sides.
The leaves are broad, flat ovals, with slightly wavy outer edges. They have a reddish mid-rib (some less red, however) and pale green veins coming out almost perpendicularly to the mid-rib. When broken, the leaves produce a sticky, milky-white substance.
The stem is hairy.
Our nature walk last week revealed many things that I didn't realize I knew! One was this, the common milkweed. I'm not sure I would have been so quick to recognize it had I not been immersed in milkweed caterpillar readings, but I'm pleased that I did, anyway!
The large pods are quite distinctive, thick and heavy-looking, with spiny protrusions in rows along its sides.
The leaves are broad, flat ovals, with slightly wavy outer edges. They have a reddish mid-rib (some less red, however) and pale green veins coming out almost perpendicularly to the mid-rib. When broken, the leaves produce a sticky, milky-white substance.
The stem is hairy.
Under this leaf we discovered a collection of Milkweed Tussock Moth Larvae.My guide says that the common milkweed likes sandy soil with lots of light; this one was near a river and stream, sheltered by trees, but not completely enclosed.
Milkweed. . .
ReplyDeleteI remember camping with Mom & Dad one time and we went on a guided hike. The guide showed us milkweed and said that it could be cooked and eated.
So Mom & Dad tried it and liked it, but I thought it was disgusting. From then on whenever we went camping they looked for milkweed to cook with a supper.
John
Oh, John, I don't remember that at all. Either I blocked it out as a painful experience or I wasn't along for that camping trip...or the ones that followed. Okay, how many camping trips did you guys sneak off for without me? :)
ReplyDeleteJennifer