Tag: Milkweed

Over 200 species belong to the genus *Asclepias*, but only a few, like common milkweed (*Asclepias syriaca*), are known to have edible parts when cooked. Knowing which species you have and how to prepare them is crucial, as the milky sap in many milkweed plants contains toxic compounds.

While monarch butterfly caterpillars famously rely on milkweed as their sole food source, the plant's toxicity has been a point of confusion for foragers for decades. The central question remains: **Can a human eat milkweed?** While not all species are safe, and preparation is key, certain parts of the common milkweed plant can be eaten if identified and cooked properly.