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Milkweed

Medium Risk

Also known as:

Asclepias

milkweed plant in field
Possible Symptoms
  • Nausea and diarrhea
  • Headache
  • Drowsiness and dizziness
  • Weakness and confusion
  • If rubbed in the eye, it may cause light sensitivity, blurred vision, and significant pain
  • Heart rhythm changes
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Seizures
What to Do
  1. Wipe or rinse out mouth to remove plant material.
  2. Give a serving size of water to drink.
  3. Rinse any exposed skin with lukewarm water and soap
  4. Call 1-800-222-1222
  5.  for additional instructions
If Exposed to Eyes

If someone gets the milky sap from milkweed in the eye, there can be immediate burning and stinging, which requires prompt first aid to avoid an eye injury. To avoid injury:

  1. Start rinsing eye(s) with lukewarm water.
  2. Call the Missouri Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222 for further recommendations.

Additional Information

Quick facts about milkweed:

The milkweed species belongs to the genus Asclepia with over 100 species having been identified to be native to the United States. Although it has weed in its name, it is actually a beneficial wildflower. Milkweed is especially beneficial to the monarch butterfly as milkweed is the only plant the monarch caterpillars eat. The female monarchs lay their eggs on the milkweed plant. If the eggs are laid on any other plant, the caterpillars cannot survive and will ultimately starve to death. Several species of monarchs use the milkweed nectar and various parts of the plant to survive.

Is milkweed poisonous to humans?

Milkweed contains toxins that are found in the stems, leaves, and roots but are mostly present in the milky juice that comes out when the plant is cut or broken. The liquid or sap contains cardenolides, which are cardiac glycosides and have the potential to cause significant toxicity.

Milkweed poisoning symptoms

The first symptoms of poisoning are nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea, followed by decreased heart rate, decreased blood pressure, heart block, and electrolyte imbalances. There can also be neurologic symptoms including vision changes where the vision becomes yellow-tinged, along with headache, drowsiness, dizziness, poor balance, and fatigue. Children who have access to this plant and taste small amounts of plant material typically do not experience milkweed poisoning symptoms.

Milkweed is widespread and found all over the country. People use it as an herbal medicine, and there are recipes for cooking this plant. Despite these practices and available information, the plant is considered toxic. There is no preparation method that makes it safe to consume.

Is milkweed poisonous to touch?

When handling the plant and its sap, it is important to avoid contact with the eyes. A best practice is to wear gloves and eye protection to reduce the chance of exposure. After working with the plant, wash your hands thoroughly.

Treatment for milkweed poisoning

If you find someone has eaten a small amount of milkweed, do not panic. Wipe out the mouth with a soft, wet cloth and give them some water to drink. If problems start or you have questions, call the Missouri Poison Center right away at 1-800-222-1222. The poison center is open all day, every day for poisoning emergencies and questions.

**Note: Don’t forget, every case is different. To make sure you are getting the best information for your individual situation, click the red button to call. It is fast, free, and confidential.

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