Plant of the Week: Common Milkweed

Did nature run out of ink? Albinism in plants is a rare occurrence, so take a look at this very special Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) found on one of our greenways. Albino means lack of pigmentation and is caused by a genetic mutation. Because plants rely on chlorophyll (that makes plants green) to get their energy, and albino plants lack this necessary function, they typically do not survive long in nature. However, sometimes when the above ground structures of the plant die off, the root system can persist by producing a pigmented/normal common milkweed plant that will then flower and produce seeds normal seeds. This particular milkweed is quite far along in its development. So, how did it make it this far? Common Milkweed spreads through seeds and underground rhizomes. Rhizomes are connected tissues that grow new plants off a host plant. This albino common milkweed is likely receiving all its energy from a nearby parent through a connected rhizome system! 

Some ecologists call common milk weed a “fugitive species” mainly because it is dependent on disturbance. This plant contains cardiac glycosides, useful in treating heart disease. It blooms beautiful pink and white flowers in June through August. Common milkweed is an incredibly resilient perennial plant. Growing up to five feet tall, it’s a perfect plant to add verticality to your garden and attracts butterflies too! 

Written by the Engineering Conservation Crew: Hailey Collins, Don Brown, Wesley Tateh, and Brandon Canaie