Asclepias syriaca

Found: mainly in fields and roadsides

Height 0.6-1.2 meters (2-4 feet)

Leaves: large opposite leaves, up to 20 cm (8 inches) long

Seeds: downy, they are contained in warty pods until they are released in autumn

Uses: tea made from the milkweed root is an expectorant, diuretic, and induces sweating

Warning: milkweed contains cardioactive compounds and is potentially toxic