Milkweed refers to a type of plant that is known for its milky sap. It is often found in fields or gardens, and its leaves provide food for caterpillars, especially monarch butterflies. Full definition
The loss of milkweed plants due to extensive herbicide use and changes in farming practices, such as the widespread adoption of herbicide - resistant crops, has been identified as a major contributing factor of monarch's decline in the eastern U.S. Disease, climate change, widespread insecticide use, and loss or degradation of nectar - rich habitat may also be contributing to declines. (xerces.org)
But the loss of milkweed in the United States continues to be a major issue, scientists say. (sciencemag.org)
Nevertheless, the key for everyone in the United States and Canada is to buy and plant milkweed in their gardens this summer. (dotearth.blogs.nytimes.com)