Common Name: common milkweedScientific Name: Asclepias syriaca L.Family Name: Asclepiadaceae - Milkweed FamilyIdentification NotesLife Cyclenative perennial, reproducing by seed and rhizomes Stemssturdy, pubescent, seldom branching, hollow; often red late season Leavesopposite, oblong, prominently veined, smooth above, fine short white hairs below Flowers5-petaled, pinkish purple to white, sweet smelling; singly on long stalks arranged in globe-shaped, dropping clusters; axillary above; corona present between reproductive parts and petal Seed Podselongate, 3 to 4 inches, grayish, somewhat spongy, covered with soft-spined projections; seeds flattened, silky parachute