Common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) is a North American native perennial. The stout stems are usually solitary, covered with short, fine hairs, and, when severed, exude copious amounts of milky latex. Plants are typically about 3 feet in height. The opposite leaves are up to 4 inches wide and 8 inches long and covered with fine white hairs, especially below. This plant is the favorite food of the Monarch butterfly.