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Milkweed

Milkweed
Milkweed

Šiška

Asclepias

Milkweed

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Description

with tall stems, broad leaves, and clusters of pink flowers. Found in meadows and disturbed soils It can grow up to 3 feet tall and has thick, white, wooly stems that grow in clumps. The leaves are densely hairy and are oval-shaped. It grows in dry, sandy to clay soils.

Traditional Native Uses

Tech: Fiber for Cordage and Craft; milkweed was a key source of fiber; strong fibers from stems carefully processed to create cordage or string, and rope. Cordage was used to make; nets for fishing and hunting; bowstrings; and baskets; fiber was an important material, especially as a warp. Other items made out of cordage were fishing lines, belts, hairnets, slings, net bags, and carrying straps. Medicine: milkweed sap used for treating warts, sores, and cuts. Food: Young shoots and buds cooked and eaten? Flowers used in ceremonies?