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

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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