Asclepias syriaca
Common milkweed
Asclepia syriaca, commonly known as common milkweed, is a versatile perennial native to North America. Renowned for its ecological significance, it serves as a vital host for monarch butterflies. Medicinally, it has historical uses in traditional practices, though careful handling is essential due to its complex chemical compounds.
- Scientific name: Asclepias syriaca
- Family: Apocynaceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is categorized under the order Gentianales and the family Apocynaceae. Finally, it is classified under the genus Asclepia.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Gentianales | WCVP |
| Family | Apocynaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Asclepias | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Asclepias syriaca, is recognized by various common names across different languages and regions. In Poland, it is referred to as Trojeść amerykańska, while in Russian, it is called Ваточник сирийский. In the Serbian language, it can be found under the names Cigansko perje (Latin script) or Циганско перје (Cyrillic script), and in Finland, it is known as mesisilkkiyrtti.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| pl | Trojeść amerykańska | Wikidata |
| ru | Ваточник сирийский | Wikidata |
| sr-el | Cigansko perje | Wikidata |
| sr-ec | Циганско перје | Wikidata |
| fi | mesisilkkiyrtti | Wikidata |
| hu | selyemkóró | Wikidata |
| uk | ваточник звичайний | Wikidata |
| de | Gewöhnliche Seidenpflanze | Wikidata |
| hsb | Syriska židźinka | Wikidata |
| sv | Sidenört | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a wide geographical distribution across several regions of the European continent. In Northern Europe, its presence can be specifically noted within the borders of Sweden. Moving into Middle Europe, the species is also well-established in countries such as Austria and Germany. Its range extends further through the central territories of Belgium. Finally, the distribution continues through the region encompassing Czechia and Slovakia.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Europe | Sweden | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Austria | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Belgium | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Czechia-Slovakia | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Germany | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Hungary | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Netherlands | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Poland | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Switzerland | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | France | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, commonly known as common milkweed, utilizes its large, oval-shaped leaves as a primary site for photosynthesis and a key component of its biological defense. These leaves are typically arranged oppositely along the stem and are known for containing a milky, latex-like sap that serves as a protective mechanism against herbivores. In traditional medicinal contexts, the chemical compounds found within these leaves are often the focus of study, as they contain various alkaloids and glycosides that contribute to the plant's overall therapeutic profile.- Total parts
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| leaves | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Asclepias syriaca has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include cardiac glycosides, lignans, quercetin.
- Total chemicals
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 3
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| cardiac glycosides | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| lignans | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| quercetin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Asclepias syriaca has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include cancer breast.
- Total uses
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| cancer breast | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |