Asclepias tuberosa is toxic to cats, dogs and horses. The reported severity is critical. Also known as Butterfly Milkweed, Rolfs' Milkweed and Butterflyweed.
This plant is known to be potentially deadly!
If your animal ate this plant, call your veterinarian, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control on (888) 426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline on (855) 764-7661. Fees may apply.
Vomiting Depression Weakness Loss Of Appetite Diarrhea Seizures Difficulty Breathing Weak Pulse Dilated Pupils Kidney Failure Liver Failure Coma Respiratory Paralysis Death Abdominal Pain Colic Bloat Tremors Incoordination Respiratory Failure Cardiac Arrhythmias Recumbency
The color of each symptom follows the severity scale above.
Asclepias tuberosa, commonly known as butterfly weed or pleurisy root, is a species of milkweed native to eastern and southwestern North America. It is commonly known as butterfly weed because of the butterflies that are attracted to the plant by its color and its copious production of nectar.
The plant contains toxic progesterone-like steroids that can cause weakness, seizures and corneal injuries. Use of the plant as an herbal remedy is contraindicated in pregnancy, during lactation or for infants and children.
Also recorded as Butterfly-weed, Canada root, Chieger-flower, Indian posy, Pleurisy-root and butterfly love.
More from the Apocynaceae family:
Countries with the most wild observations, from GBIF data.