Showy Milkweed
Asclepias speciosa is a milky-sapped perennial plant in the dogbane family (Apocynaceae), known commonly as the showy milkweed and is found in the western half of North America.
It grows along streams, dry slopes, open woodland areas, and roadsides.
Milky sap is released when the leaves or stems are bruised or cut.
Asclepias speciosa is a specific monarch butterfly food and habitat plant. Additionally, phenylacetaldehyde produced by the plants attracts the red-belted clearwing moth. It is also a larval host for the dogbane tiger moth and the queen butterfly.
Native Americans used fiber in the stems for rope, basketry, and nets. Some Native Americans used the milky sap for medicinal purposes.