Milkweed

Scientific name

Asclepias

Common name

Milkweed

Type

Outdoor plant, weed

Toxicity: 2

Ingestion may cause minor symptoms such as rash, vomiting or diarrhea.

Toxic parts

Leaves, stems and roots

Description

Milkweed (asclepias) is a genus of plant with more than 140 different species. Milkweed have:

• Sturdy, hollow stems that produce milky-white sap when broken
• Oblong leaves that are smooth on top with fine, white hairs on the underside
• Pinkish-purple, orange or white flowers that grow in umbrella-like clusters
• Long, seed-filled pods

The list of poisonous plants on this website does not necessarily include every poisonous plant that is known or that might be found in a home or yard. Also, the plants are listed by common or scientific name but might be known to you by other names. The University of Kansas Health System does not advise eating any of the plants listed on this website. We discourage the use of any of these plants for self medication. The information on this site is taken from literature, and the degree of reliability is unknown. In case of accidental exposure or ingestion, contact the Poison Control Center 1-800-222-1222.