genus asclepias

[argey]

genus of chiefly North American perennial herbs: silkweed; milkweed

[Williebit]

Genus Asclepias, commonly known as milkweed, is a group of perennial flowering plants that belong to the dogbane family, Apocynaceae. These plants are native to North and South America, including some Caribbean islands. The genus Asclepias is most notable for its distinct milky sap from which it derives its common name, and for being the primary food source for monarch butterfly larvae. The flowers are usually in clusters, and vary in color from species to species. They have distinct pods which contain numerous seeds each with a silken parachute-like structure. Approx 200 species are currently recognized in this genus.