Butterfly weed
Asclepias tuberosa, the butterfly weed, is a species of milkweed native to eastern and southwestern North America. It is commonly known as butterfly weed because of the butterflies that are attracted to the plant by its color and its copious production of nectar. The plant contains toxic glycosides, alkaloids and resinoids. These can cause weakness, seizures and corneal injuries. Native Americans and European pioneers used the boiled roots to treat diarrhea and respiratory illnesses. The seed pod down was spun and used to make candle wicks.
