ASCLEPIAS TUBEROSA / BUTTERFLY MILKWEED

ASCLEPIAS TUBEROSA / BUTTERFLY WEED

A Showy Native Perennial with Bright Orange Flowers

Asclepias tuberosa, commonly known as Butterfly Weed, is a striking native perennial celebrated for its vibrant clusters of orange flowers and deep green, lance-shaped foliage. Blooming from early to mid-summer, this plant attracts butterflies, bees, and other pollinators, making it a staple for pollinator gardens and naturalized landscapes. It thrives in full sun with well-drained soils and is drought-tolerant once established.

Why Choose Butterfly Weed?

Pollinator Favorite: Attracts monarch butterflies, bees, and other beneficial insects.
Bright & Bold: Eye-catching orange flower clusters provide vibrant color in the garden.
Drought Tolerant: Performs well in dry, well-drained soils once established.
Low Maintenance: Easy to grow and long-lived, perfect for naturalized plantings.

Key Features:

Foliage Color: Deep green, lance-shaped leaves.
Flower Color: Bright orange flower clusters in early to mid-summer.
Height and Spread: Typically grows 2–3 feet tall and 1–2 feet wide.
Hardiness: Hardy to USDA Zones 3–9.
Sunlight: Prefers full sun.
Soil Requirements: Well-drained soils; tolerates sandy and loamy conditions.

Specifications:

Plant Size: 2–3 feet tall, 1–2 feet wide.
Growth Habit: Upright, clump-forming perennial with multiple flowering stems.
Hardiness: USDA Zones 3–9.
Flowering: Early to mid-summer with bright orange clusters.

Ideal Uses:

Pollinator & Butterfly Gardens: Essential for supporting monarch butterflies and other pollinators.
Borders & Beds: Adds bold color and vertical interest to perennial plantings.
Naturalized & Low-Maintenance Landscapes: Thrives in native and prairie-style gardens.
Wildlife-Friendly Gardens: Provides nectar and habitat for beneficial insects.

Butterfly Weed is a vibrant and ecologically valuable native perennial. Its bold orange flowers, pollinator benefits, and low-maintenance nature make it a standout choice for gardens, meadows, and naturalized landscapes.