Asclepias tuberosa
Butterfly Weed (Butterfly Milkweed)
A tough, drought-tolerant native with intense orange flowers in mid to late summer. The flowers are followed by large pods which split open and release billowy seeds.
The nectar-rich flowers attract many varieties of butterflies as well as hummingbirds. Milkweed is a host plant for monarch butterflies. Females lay their eggs on the leaves. Once the eggs hatch, the yellow, black, and white striped larvae feed on the foliage before forming a chrysalis.
- Perennial with dark green foliage and a low growing habit
- Bright orange flowers in summer followed by billowy seed pods
- Tough, native perennial used extensively in butterfly gardens and meadow plantings
Landscape Characteristics
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Growing & Maintenance Tips for Asclepias tuberosa
Best located in a sunny dry spot, but will tolerate average to moist garden soil as well. Does not do well in wet soils and does not compete well with surface-rooted trees. However, competes well with grass which makes butterfly weed ideal for meadow gardens. Plant is taprooted so handle plants gently and dig a deep hole when transplanting. Do not use fertilizer. Can be planted in fall or as dormant plants in spring.