milkweed

American  

[milk-weed] / ˈmɪlkˌwid /

noun

1. any of several plants that secrete a milky juice or latex, especially those of the genus Asclepias, as A. syriaca.

2. any of various other plants having a milky juice, as certain spurges.

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milkweed British  

/ ˈmɪlkˌwiːd /

noun

1. Also called: silkweed.  any plant of the mostly North American genus Asclepias, having milky sap and pointed pods that split open to release tufted seeds: family Asclepiadaceae See also asclepias

2. any of various other plants having milky sap

3. another name for butterfly weed

4. another name for monarch

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Etymology

Origin of milkweed

First recorded in 1590–1600; milk + weed ¹

Compare meaning

How does milkweed compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• dogbane vs. milkweed

Example Sentences

They did so because they recognized that strict prohibitions could backfire, leading landowners to destroy milkweed, a plant that monarchs need to survive.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 1, 2025

One of these pesticides, methoxyfenozide, was found in 96% of milkweed samples, but it is allowed to be used under current pesticide regulations because it is not toxic to bees.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 31, 2025

There are also signs that other animals are already starting to use the crossing, and a native plant nursery is preparing to seed the bridge with local sages, shrubs, milkweed and other vegetation.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 6, 2024

And remember to include plants like milkweed for butterflies and sunflowers for bees.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 5, 2024

I even planted some milkweed, violets, and wispy salt grass for the caterpillars—you know, when butterflies are in the larval stage.

From "Red Kayak" by Priscilla Cummings