milkweed

• Nom désignant diverses plantes, notamment du genre Asclepias, caractérisées par un latex laiteux et des follicules libérant des graines surmontées de soies soyeuses, ainsi qu'une plante annuelle eurasienne ressemblant à un chardon, à feuilles épineuses et fleurs jaunes (Sonchus arvensis).

A noun referring to any of various plants, especially of the genus Asclepias, characterized by milky sap and pods that release seeds with downy tufts, or to the annual Eurasian sow thistle with spiny leaves and yellow flowers.

1. Plant of genus AsclepiasB2formalscientific

   Any of various plants in the genus Asclepias, characterized by milky sap and seed pods that split open to release seeds with fluffy tufts.

   Asclépiade

   • Milkweed is essential for monarch butterfly larvae.
   • The milkweed pod burst open, scattering its silky seeds in the wind.
   • Many gardeners plant milkweed to attract butterflies.
   • The milky sap of milkweed can be irritating to the skin.

   Synonymescottonweedsilkweed

2. Sow thistle speciesB2formalscientific

   An annual Eurasian plant (Sonchus arvensis) with soft, spiny leaves and yellow ray-shaped flower heads, often considered a weed.

   Laiteron des champs

   • Milkweed (sow thistle) is common in disturbed fields and gardens.
   • The yellow flowers of milkweed bloom from June to October.
   • Farmers often remove milkweed from their crops to prevent competition.
   • The soft spiny leaves of milkweed can be used in salads when young.

   Synonymessow thistle