Asclepias syriaca -- There are several varieties of Milkweed (see some of them below). All are recognizable by the un-mistakeable flower shape. American colonists used the down from Common Milkweed seeds as stuffing, and spun it with other fibers into thread. Blooms in late summer. (Photographed in WI)

Flowers of Poke Milkweed (Asclepias exaltata)

Whorled Milkweed (Asclepias verticillata) with its needle-like leaves.

(Photographed in WI)