Milkweed is a plant known for its unique, fluffy seed pods and vibrant flowers. It is often found in fields and along roadsides, attracting many pollinators, especially butterflies. One of the most famous visitors to milkweed is the monarch butterfly, which relies on this plant for food and as a place to lay its eggs. The sap of the milkweed plant contains a milky latex that can be toxic to some animals, making it a natural defense mechanism. This toxicity helps protect the plant from being eaten, while also providing a safe habitat for the monarch caterpillars, which can consume the leaves without harm.