Carolus Linnaeus named the genus after Asklepios, the Greek god of healing, because of the many folk-medicinal uses for the milkweed plants. Clemson Cooperative Extension

Native Americans used the tough inside fibers of this plant to make rope and fishing nets.

They also used it as a medicine. The sap of the milkweed was used to treat warts.

They even sweetened things with the nectar of the flowers!

Milkweed Silk was used, by the government, as stuffing for life jackets.

EEK! - Signs of Summer Milkweed facts

Some birds use milkweed floss as nesting material, too.

Fact: Ecology is the study of the interactions between living things and their environment. Scientists who focus on ecologic subjects are called ecologists.

Many school campuses include vast areas of mowed grass. Consider working with your PTO or environment club to plant a milkweed patch on your campus. Add nectar flowers to attract the butterflies.

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Milkweed & Monarch Butterfly Mania main page

A cluster of common milkweed plants growing along a country road.

Measuring the impact of ozone using Common Milkweed

Monarch Butterfly & Caterpillars

Conduct a milkweed check-up to check for signs of pollution off site