This native perennial has stout stems up to 5 feet tall, with thick, oval leaves opposite on the stems (A). The unusual flowers are in dense, spherical clusters on short stalks from the axils of the upper leaf pairs (B,C). The seed pods are spindle-shaped, 2-4 iches long; they hold tightly packed seeds on silky plumes (D,E). The stems and leaves exude a milky juice when cut. Identified by its thick oval leaves. A related species, Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata), has thinner, lance-shaped leaves and grows in wet areas.
Grows in fields, along road-sides, streams and forest edges, flowering in June and July. In Fontenelle Forest, common along Stream Trail. At Neale Woods, common in prairies and other sunny, open areas.
The Omaha-Ponca used this plant for food at three stages of its growth: the young sprouts, the clusters of flower buds, and the young green fruit, which was boiled. Another common name is Silkweed.
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