Common milkweed, otherwise known as Asclepias syriaca, is a host plant for Monarch butterflies. They lay their eggs on milkweed so that the caterpillars that hatch can eat the leaves to grow and ultimately become butterflies. Asclepias syriaca is native to most of the US states that are east of the Rocky Mountains (the western exception is Oregon where it has naturalized) and into Canada. It is frequently found in meadows, roadsides, railways, around fence posts, etc, and is hardy in USDA zones 4-9. It is less frequent in the Deep South and is not native to Florida. Asclepias syriaca usually has just a single stalk and can grow from 2-6 feet tall. The leaves are large and the flowers are pretty pink shades with a very pleasant fragrance. It starts flowering in midsummer and flowers into the fall. The seed pods are popular for use in dried arrangements and crafts.