Milkweed is a perennial that often bears blossoms and fruit at the same time.
The plant may be 0.5-1.0 meters high. Leaves may be narrow or broad. Leaves or other above-ground parts of the plant are poisonous. They contain several glucosidic substances called cardenolides that are toxic. Milkweed may cause losses at any time, but it is most dangerous during the active growing season.