Milkweed! Everything you need to know to find/identify plus little-known remarkable historical uses!

In this video, on a roadside walk, I teach you how to find and identify Common Milkweed! I will compare it side by side to look-a-like Dog Bane (Indian Hemp/Aposcynum cannabinium), as well. I break down the scientific name Asclepius syriaca and its relation to the Greek God of Medicine. The second part of its name relates to Carl Linnaeus' mistaken belief that it originated in Syria! This native plant is associated with over 250 insect species. I explain, that in addition to Monarch eggs and caterpillars, you may find milkweed beetles, milkweed bugs, tussock moth caterpillars and aphids as well. I discuss aposematic coloration of all these organism and how they incorporate the milkweed toxins (cardiac glycosides) in their bodies making them toxic, just like all monarch stages. I explain and show specific features of milkweed including, single, non-branching stem, opposite leaves, 5 petaled flowers and their arrangement, white sap from breaking leaves, up to 4 to 5 feet tall and other features. Toxic milkweed's fascinating history is revealed as well including uses as food, medicine, fiber and stuffing for life vests during World War II.