Asclepias tuberosa – Butterfly Weed

Description

(Milkweed)

Sun / Part Sun           Zones: 3 – 9

Habit: upright / bushing        H: 12 – 24″  x  W: 12 – 18″

Butterfly weed is a tuberous rooted North American Native which is found in dry/rocky open woods, glades, prairies, fields and roadsides throughout the country. Enjoy the abundant clusters of bright orange to yellow-orange flowers! Unlike many of the other milkweeds, this species does not have milky-sapped stems. The seed pods are valued in dried flower arrangements. Long bloom period from late spring throughout the summer. Ideal for hummingbirds, butterflies and many other pollinators & leaves are a food source for monarch butterfly larvae (caterpillars).

Cultivation: Easily grown in average, dry to medium, well-drained soils in full sun. Drought tolerant. Does well in poor, dry soils.  Mature plants may freely self-seed if seed pods are not removed prior to splitting open. Butterfly weed does not transplant well due to its deep taproot & should be left undisturbed once established.

Utilization: Butterfly gardens, rock gardens, meadows, prairies, or naturalized/native plant areas.

Info & Photo courtesy of Missouri Botanical Garden

Size: 2 quart premium pot