Milkweed
- Pronunciation
- /MILK-weed/
- Category
- Botany
- Singular
- Milkweed
- Plural
- Milkweeds
Definition
A group of plants belonging to the genus *Asclepias* known as host plants for Monarch butterflies.
Etymology
From Old English 'milc' (milk) and 'wēod' (weed), referring to the milky sap of the plant.
Example
Milkweed plants provide essential habitat for Monarch butterfly larvae.
Related Terms
Usage Notes
There are many different species of milkweed, some of which are threatened by habitat loss.