Asclepias tuberosa

(Butterfly weed)


$12.99


Hardiness Zones:

 3a  3b  4a  4b  5a  5b  6a  6b  7a  7b  8a  8b  9a  9b

Quick Overview:

Butterfly weed is a tuberous rooted, native perennial which occurs in dry/rocky open woods, glades, prairies, fields and roadsides throughout the Central and Eastern United States. It typically grows in a clump to 1-3′ tall and features clusters (umbels) of bright orange to yellow-orange flowers atop upright to reclining, hairy stems with narrow, lance-shaped leaves. Unlike many of the other milkweeds, this species does not have milky-sapped stems. Flowers give way to prominent, spindle-shaped seed pods (3-6″ long) which split open when ripe releasing numerous silky-tailed seeds for dispersal by the wind. Seed pods are valued in dried flower arrangements. Long bloom period from late spring throughout the summer. Flowers are a nectar source for many butterflies and leaves are a food source for monarch butterfly larvae (caterpillars). Also commonly called pleurisy root in reference to a prior medicinal use of the plant roots to treat lung inflammations.  (Courtesy of Missouri Botanical Gardens Plant Finder)

Description

Easily grown in average, dry to medium, well-drained soils in full sun. Drought tolerant. Does well in poor, dry soils. New growth tends to emerge late in the spring. Plants are easily grown from seed, but are somewhat slow to establish and may take 2-3 years to produce flowers. Mature plants may freely self-seed in the landscape if seed pods are not removed prior to splitting open. Butterfly weed does not transplant well due to its deep taproot, and is probably best left undisturbed once established.  (Courtesy of Missouri Botanical Gardens Plant Finder)

Additional information

Common Name

Butterfly weed

Botanical Name

Asclepias tuberosa

Container/Amount

1 gallon

Evergreen or Deciduous

Deciduous

Hardiness Zone

3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b

Growth Rate

Average

Light Requirements

Sun

Height

18 to 30"

Width

24"

Soil Condition

Well-drained

Water Needs

Low

Blooming Period

June to August

Flower Color

orange

Fragrance

No

Foliage Color

green

Deer Resistant

Yes

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