Green Milkweed

Known as a perennial forb or herb with alternate, entire leaves, Green Milkweed is a native plant. Leaves often have wavy margins. White umbel-shaped flowers, usually one per plant, are produced in umbels. Each flower (gynostegium) has some purple or rose-colored center. These milkweeds bloom from late spring to mid-summer and exude a milky substance that resembles 'Elmer's glue' when broken.

Kansas to Texas has this milkweed growing in their pastures. Cattle and horses generally avoid them. Roadside ditches, prairies, open areas, and other areas with little vegetation competition can be found with it.

Some butterflies love this member of the milkweed family. In rich or poor soils, it grows intermittently throughout the growing season through the end of summer. It spreads widely and opens up. It requires little water and full sun to thrive.