The Common milkweed

photos by P. Harrington

Great for butterflies, this perennial can become a bit invasive if it isn't tended to. The blooms form mostly in the leaf axils which is pretty unique. Good plant for tough spots as long as it isn't that wet. This can be seen all over central Ohio and is distinctive even when it isn't blooming. There are some organizations out there devoted to this family of plants where seeds may be available for free, but most milkweeds won't bloom until the second growing year.