Asclepias tuberosa - BUTTERFLY MILKWEED
Butterfly Milkweed is a resilient native wildflower that brings a splash of fiery color to prairies, meadows, and gardens. Adapted to dry, well-drained soils, it thrives in harsh conditions where few other plants flourish. More than just a visual delight, Butterfly Milkweed is an essential nectar source for pollinators, particularly monarch butterflies, making it a valuable addition to any wildlife-friendly landscape. Pack of 30 seeds.
Details
Common Names: Butterfly Milkweed, Butterfly Flower, Butterfly Root, Butterfly Weed, Chiger Flower, Flux Root, Indian Paintbrush, Indian Potato, Orange Root, Pleurisy Root, Swallow Root, Tuber Root, White Root, Wind Root, Windward Root
Botanical Name: Asclepias tuberosa
Name Meaning:
- Asclepias: Honors Asclepius, the Greek god of medicine, due to the plant's medicinal history.
- tuberosa: Latin "tuberous" or "full of swellings", describing the plant's thick, enlarged roots.
Plant Family: Apocynaceae (dogbane)
Native Range: North America (prairies, meadows, open woodlands, and roadsides in most of the continental United States and extending into Canada and Mexico)
Grow Zone (Hardiness): 3 - 10 (-40°F) Find my zone
Bloom: Clusters of small, bright orange flowers are produced In summer, followed by long, narrow seed pods.
Light: Full sun
Soil: Well-draining
Water: Low (1)
Growth Rate/Habit: Fast/Upright, clumping
Mature Size: 1-3 ft. tall x 1-2 ft. wide
- Established plants: Water only occasionally, as butterfly weed is very drought-tolerant once mature. Overwatering is a common mistake that can lead to yellow leaves. First year: Water regularly to keep the soil moist, about one inch per week, until the plant becomes established.
We recommend planting these in our Cactus/Succulent Soil.
Which milkweeds need cold/wet stratification?
Caution:
- Sap: Handle with care as the milky sap can be a skin irritant.
- Toxicity: The plant is toxic if ingested by pets and humans.
Image 1 by Aaron Carlson/Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0; image 2 by F.D. Richards/Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0