Butterfly Milkweed

(Asclepias tuberosa)

Butterfly Milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Asclepias tuberosa, commonly known as Butterfly Milkweed, is a deciduous perennial herb native to open woodlands, prairies, and grasslands in the Eastern, Central, and Mountain States of the USA, as well as Ontario and Northeastern Mexico. It typically grows to 0.3-1 meter (1 ft 0 in - 3 ft 3 in) tall and is renowned for its clustered, vibrant orange or yellow flowers that bloom from early summer to early autumn. The flowers are highly attractive to a variety of pollinators, including bees and wasps.

Butterfly Milkweed is celebrated for its showy flowers and its role as a host plant for monarch butterflies, making it a popular choice for butterfly gardens and native plant landscapes. It is also used in prairie restoration projects and xeriscaping due to its drought tolerance. In cultivation, it requires full sun and well-drained soils, and it is relatively low-maintenance once established. However, it can be difficult to transplant due to its deep, woody taproot. Butterfly Milkweed does not typically suffer from serious pest or disease problems, but it can be susceptible to root rot in poorly drained soils. It is also important to note that while it is beneficial for wildlife, all parts of the plant are toxic if ingested.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 1-2.5 feet
  • Width: 1-1.5 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: Orange, Yellow
  • Flowering Season: Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun
  • Water: Low
  • Drainage: Fast, Medium

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Erosion Control, Fire Resistant, Fragrant, Groundcover, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Rabbit Resistant, Rock Garden, Salt Tolerant, Showy Flowers, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Open woodlands, prairies, and grasslands

Other Names

Common Names: Pleurisy-Root, Chieger-Flower, Butterfly-Weed, Butterflyweed, Orange Milkweed, Pleurisy Root, Knollige Seidenpflanze, Asclépiade Tubéreuse, Knolzijdeplant, Orange Sidenört

Scientific Names: , Asclepias tuberosa, Asclepias tuberosa var. tuberosa, Asclepias tuberosa f. tuberosa, Asclepias tuberosus subsp. Woodson,

GBIF Accepted Name: Asclepias tuberosa L.