Fruit, an elongated follicle splitting on one side and releasing many seeds topped with white, silky hairs that enables them to be widely dispersed by the wind. The milkweed genus is found throughout the southern area in fields, along roadsides, fence rows, open woods, pastures and waste places. All parts of the plant are toxic, whether consumed green or dried in hay. Cattle, sheep, goats, horses and poultry are all sensitive to the effects of milkweed. Usual signs include staggering, depression, weakness, labored respiration and dilated pupils.
Animals go down and exhibit tetanic spasms before going into a coma and dying.