Butterfly Milkweed
(Asclepias tuberosa subsp. interior)
Butterfly Milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa subsp. interior)
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Quinten Wiegersma
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Quinten Wiegersma
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Quinten Wiegersma | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Quinten Wiegersma | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2017-07-02T15:32:38-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Asclepias tuberosa subsp. interior, commonly known as Butterfly Milkweed, is a deciduous perennial herb native to the open prairies, grasslands, and savannas of the USA. It typically grows to a height and width of 1-3 feet (0.3-0.9 meters). This species is characterized by its vibrant orange flowers that bloom in the summer, attracting a host of pollinators, including butterflies and bees. The flowers are quite showy, making it a popular choice for naturalistic plantings and pollinator gardens.
Butterfly Milkweed is valued for its drought tolerance and low maintenance requirements, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping. It is also a crucial host plant for the Monarch butterfly, providing habitat and food for the larvae. In cultivation, it is used in wildflower meadows, as a border plant, and in butterfly gardens. It thrives in full sun and prefers well-drained soils, although it can tolerate a range of soil types. While generally pest-free, it can occasionally suffer from crown rot if grown in poorly drained soils. It is also important to note that all parts of the plant contain toxic compounds that can be harmful if ingested.CC BY-SA 4.0
Butterfly Milkweed is valued for its drought tolerance and low maintenance requirements, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping. It is also a crucial host plant for the Monarch butterfly, providing habitat and food for the larvae. In cultivation, it is used in wildflower meadows, as a border plant, and in butterfly gardens. It thrives in full sun and prefers well-drained soils, although it can tolerate a range of soil types. While generally pest-free, it can occasionally suffer from crown rot if grown in poorly drained soils. It is also important to note that all parts of the plant contain toxic compounds that can be harmful if ingested.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 1-3 feet
- Width: 1-3 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Orange, Yellow
- Flowering Season: Summer
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Low
- Drainage: Medium, Fast
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Fragrant, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Showy Flowers
Natural Habitat
Native to open prairies, grasslands, and savannas of the Central USA
Other Names
Common Names: Asclépiade Tubéreuse
Scientific Names: , Asclepias tuberosa subsp. interior, Asclepias tuberosa subsp. tuberosa, Asclepias tuberosa var. interior, Asclepias tuberosa subsp. terminalis, Asclepias revoluta, Asclepias tuberosa f. bicolor, Asclepias tuberosa f. lutea, Acerates decumbens var. erecta, Asclepias cuneifolia
GBIF Accepted Name: Asclepias tuberosa subsp. tuberosa