This is Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) during the summer months. Balls of small purple/pink flowers form to attract, among other species, the Monarch Butterfly. This prairie native has gained respect as word has spread that the Monarch’s habitat has dangerously shrunk making their survival threatened. Copyright 2025 Pamela BreitbergCommon Milkweed is also known as Silkweed because of the silky, fluffy seeds that burst from the seedpods. These images are part of my book, The Prairie- A Photographic Introduction to the Midwest Prairie. It is available here for purchase from Lulu. All images were captured at the Chicago Botanic Gardens’ restored prairie. Copyright 2025 Pamela Breitberg
