Butterfly Flower, Butterfly Milkweed, Butterfly Root, Butterfly Weed, Chieger Flower, Flux Root, Indian Paintbrush, Indian Potato, Orange Root, Pleurisy Root, Swallow Root, Tuber Root, White Root, Wind Root, Windward Root
Asclepias tuberosa, commonly known as Butterfly Milkweed or Butterfly Weed, 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.
Milkweed plants belong to the Apocynaceae family which also includes oleander, hoya, plumeria, and the desert rose. These plants play an essential role in supporting biodiversity and pollinators.
Butterfly Milkweed is a bushy, herbaceous perennial prized for its striking clusters of bright orange to yellow-orange flowers, which bloom continuously from late spring through summer. These vibrant, flat-topped umbels sit atop sturdy, upright stems adorned with stiff, lance-shaped leaves. As summer fades, the flowers give way to attractive, spindle-shaped seed pods that add seasonal interest in fall. The lush, deep-green foliage creates a bold contrast, enhancing the brilliance of the cheerful blooms.
Unlike other milkweed species, Butterfly Milkweed does not produce milky sap when cut. Its fiery flowers are a magnet for pollinators, particularly butterflies, drawing monarchs, bees, and hummingbirds throughout the season. With a deep taproot, this resilient wildflower thrives in dry, sandy, or rocky soils, making it an excellent choice for drought-tolerant gardens, meadows, and prairie plantings.
Butterfly Milkweed is native to eastern and southern North America, where it grows in well-drained, sandy, or rocky soils in dry prairies, open fields, roadsides, and meadows. It thrives in areas with full sun and is well-adapted to drought conditions. Unlike Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata), which prefers moist soils, Butterfly Milkweed is highly tolerant of dry, infertile soils and does not spread aggressively through rhizomes.
This plant remains relatively compact, making it suitable for smaller garden spaces or meadow plantings. Unlike Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca), it does not spread aggressively. However, it may freely self-seed in the landscape if seed pods are not removed before splitting open.
Butterfly Milkweed is one of the most eye-catching native wildflowers, with its fiery orange blossoms standing out in prairies and gardens. After blooming, it produces elongated, spindle-shaped seed pods (follicles) that mature in late summer and split open to release silky seeds dispersed by wind.
Unlike other milkweed species, Butterfly Milkweed lacks the characteristic milky sap, making it unique among its relatives.
This milkweed species is well-adapted to challenging conditions, including poor soils and dry climates.
Native Americans historically used Butterfly Milkweed for medicinal purposes, particularly to treat respiratory ailments, leading to its common name, “Pleurisy Root.”
Butterfly Milkweed is a vital plant for supporting pollinators. Monarch caterpillars rely on its leaves as a food source, while adult butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds are drawn to its nectar-rich flowers. The plant is also used by the Gray Hairstreak (Strymon melinus), Queen (Danaus gilippus), and the Milkweed Tussock Moth (Euchaetes egle).
Discover more plants that attract butterflies.
Although Butterfly Milkweed has a lower toxicity level compared to other milkweed species, caution should still be taken when planting it. The plant contains cardiac glycosides and resinoids, which can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, and confusion if ingested in large amounts. Toxic parts include flowers, fruits, leaves, roots, seeds, and stems. Harmful to cats, dogs, and horses.
Butterfly Milkweed is naturally resistant to deer and rabbits due to its bitter-tasting leaves. However, young plants may still be nibbled on before they develop their full chemical defenses.
Unlike Common Milkweed, which spreads aggressively through rhizomes, Butterfly Milkweed remains clump-forming and does not take over garden spaces. However, it does self-seed freely if seed pods are not removed before they split.
Butterfly Milkweed is a must-have for any pollinator-friendly garden. Its vibrant blooms, adaptability to dry conditions, and critical role in supporting monarch butterflies make it a valuable addition to native landscapes.
Milkweed: Is it Right for Your Garden? Pros and Cons Explained
Butterfly Milkweed seeds require cold stratification to break dormancy.
Butterfly Milkweed is generally pest-resistant, but it may attract aphids. These can be managed by spraying plants with water or encouraging beneficial insects like ladybugs.
The best place to plant Butterfly Milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa) is in full sun with well-drained, sandy, or rocky soil. It thrives in dry meadows, prairies, roadsides, and wildflower gardens. Avoid overly wet or compacted soils, as this species is drought-tolerant and prefers conditions where water drains quickly. It is ideal for pollinator gardens, native plant landscapes, and xeriscapes due to its deep taproot and low-maintenance nature.
The milkweed species that attract the most butterflies, particularly monarch butterflies, include:
The lifespan of Asclepias (milkweed) depends on the species and growing conditions:
Hardiness |
3 - 9 |
---|---|
Heat Zones |
3 - 9 |
Climate Zones | 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, A1, A2 |
Plant Type | Perennials |
Plant Family | Apocynaceae |
Genus | Asclepias |
Common names | Milkweed, Butterfly Weed |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest | Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late) |
Height | 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
Spread | 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
Spacing | 18" - 24" (50cm - 60cm) |
Maintenance | Low |
Water Needs | Low |
Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Dried Arrangements, Cut Flowers, Showy |
Native Plants | United States, New Jersey, New Hampshire, Maryland, Massachusetts, Maine, Connecticut, Delaware, Vermont, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, New York, Southeast, Southwest, Midwest, Rocky Mountains, California, Northeast, Minnesota, South Dakota, Iowa, Indiana, Kansas, Nebraska, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, Missouri, Ohio, Alabama, Kentucky, Georgia, Florida, Arkansas, West Virginia, Virginia, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Arizona, Texas, Utah, Colorado |
Tolerance | Drought, Deer, Rabbit, Salt, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil |
Attracts | Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds |
Garden Uses | Beds And Borders |
Garden Styles | Prairie and Meadow, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage |
Hardiness |
3 - 9 |
---|---|
Heat Zones |
3 - 9 |
Climate Zones | 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, A1, A2 |
Plant Type | Perennials |
Plant Family | Apocynaceae |
Genus | Asclepias |
Common names | Milkweed, Butterfly Weed |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest | Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late) |
Height | 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
Spread | 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
Spacing | 18" - 24" (50cm - 60cm) |
Maintenance | Low |
Water Needs | Low |
Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Dried Arrangements, Cut Flowers, Showy |
Native Plants | United States, New Jersey, New Hampshire, Maryland, Massachusetts, Maine, Connecticut, Delaware, Vermont, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, New York, Southeast, Southwest, Midwest, Rocky Mountains, California, Northeast, Minnesota, South Dakota, Iowa, Indiana, Kansas, Nebraska, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, Missouri, Ohio, Alabama, Kentucky, Georgia, Florida, Arkansas, West Virginia, Virginia, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Arizona, Texas, Utah, Colorado |
Tolerance | Drought, Deer, Rabbit, Salt, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil |
Attracts | Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds |
Garden Uses | Beds And Borders |
Garden Styles | Prairie and Meadow, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage |
How many Asclepias tuberosa (Butterfly Milkweed) do I need for my garden?
Plant | Quantity | |
---|---|---|
Asclepias tuberosa (Butterfly Milkweed) | N/A | Buy Plants |
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Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.
Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
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