Butterfly weed is a milkweed ... the seed pods before they dry and burst open. The volunteer plants that appear due to self-seeding should be removed before they establish long tap roots.

so we collected a few milkweed seed pods. These pods are about the size of small plantains, and they're packed tight with seeds - each of them a tiny, brown kernel surrounded by fine white floss ...

The leaves are long, narrow, and pointed ... scout groups and community organizations to collect milkweed seed pods. Posters urged schoolchildren to help save the lives of their fathers, brothers ...

Not sure what those are? Some organizations, like monarchbutterflies.ca, will send you free milkweed seeds if you pay shipping costs. You can also contact your local botanical gardens for guidance ...