A perennial weed is any weed capable of surviving for three or more years Perennial weeds are characterized by vegetative reproduction. Perennial weeds may or may not reproduce by seed. They always, however, have the potential to reproduce by vegetative means. Description of Common Milkweed Common milkweed grows from creeping roots. The plant has a milky juice.
Seed pods are grayish, hairy, and covered with soft spines.
Seeds are brown, flat, oval, with a tuft of silky hairs at the tip. Common milkweed reproduces by seed and underground spreading roots. Common milkweed is often found as scattered plants in cultivated fields, especially under minimum tillage conditions, pastures, and wastelands. Seedlings become perennials within 21 days of emergence. Control of perennial weeds may require a combination of all these methods.