Photo of Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca)

pear-shaped seedpods pointing up and sideways, pale green and covered in slight soft spines, on plant with broad leaves

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Inclusion in Plant ID / Comparison Guides

This photo is featured in 2 plant ID/comparison guides:

collage of Common Milkweed and Poke Milkweed

Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) vs. Poke Milkweed (Asclepias exaltata)

Updated August 29th, 2024

These two tall, broad-leaved milkweeds can be confused, but are usually easy to tell apart by leaves, seed pods, and flowers. Common milkweed ranges farther south, west, and north, and occurs in sunnier, more open habitats, whereas poke milkeweed is found in shadier habitats sheltered from wind. These species can hybridize, and hybrids have intermediate characteristics, so it may not be possible to identify all plants to species level.

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collage of Common Milkweed and Hemp Dogbane

Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) vs. Hemp Dogbane (Apocynum cannabinum)

Updated June 19th, 2024

These two species are in the same family, and are easily confused early in the season. Both are long-rhizomatous, with simple, opposite leaves with entire margins. Later in the season, they can easily be told apart by flowers, seed pods, or branching habit. Common milkweed ranges into drier conditions and is more tolerant of sandy and/or clayey soils, whereas hemp dogbane ranges farther west and south, prefers loamy soils, and is more tolerant of temporary spring flooding.

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