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Butterfly Weed
Asclepias tuberosa
PerennialButterfly Weed
Asclepias tuberosa
Tap to flip backGrowing Conditions
Light
Sun – Part Shade
Water
Dry
Soil
Sandy, Well-drained
Size
1-2'
Bloom
Orange, Jun–Aug
Why Grow It
Drought Tolerant
Thrives with little water once established
Pollinator Magnet
Attracts many types of pollinators
Deer Resistant
Great for gardens without fencing
Caterpillar Host
Feeds caterpillars of native moths & butterflies
Did You Know?
The only milkweed with bright orange flowers — a beacon for butterflies and gardeners alike.
Has a deep taproot instead of rhizomes — stays put and never spreads aggressively.
Unlike other milkweeds, its sap is clear, not milky — a unique trait in the genus.
Wildlife Value
🦋
Monarch Host
Monarch caterpillars feed exclusively on milkweed foliage
🐝
Native Bee Favorite
Rich nectar source for many native bee species
Good Companions
🌾 Little Bluestem
🌸 Wild Lupine
⭐ Prairie Smoke
Planting Guide
- Plant in full sun in sandy, well-drained soil; do not overwater
- Space 12–18″ apart; emerges late in spring — mark its location
- Do not transplant once established — the deep taproot resents disturbance
Plant Details
Made with ♥ by Lu Li