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Butterfly weedButterfly Weed

Scientific Name: Asclepias tuberosa/Asclepiadaceae 

Native

This milkweed is one of the larval hosts of the Monarch Butterfly. Vivid orange flowers atop 2-3’ plants complement Stokes’ Aster and Coneflowers during early summer. The flowers attract many small butterflies, particularly the beautiful Coral Hairstreak. Mature seedpods are especially nice in dried arrangements. The seeds disperse on attractive silken parachutes.

Full Sun and well-drained soil. Like many tap rooted and long-lived meadow species, Butterfly Weed takes a few seasons to reach full size. It is one of the later plants to emerge in spring; leave the old stalks in place to mark its location.


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