Milkweed is a group of plants in the genus Asclepias. These plants are native to North and Central America and are known for their distinctive clusters of small, pink, purple, or white flowers. They are important for the survival of monarch butterflies, as the butterflies lay their eggs on milkweed plants, and the caterpillars feed on the milkweed leaves. However, the milkweed flowering plant in St. James City has a long history of medicinal use by indigenous people in North and Central America. Some species are now used in traditional and herbal medicine.