FEATURED NATIVE PLANT

 

Butterfly Weed

Asclepias tuberosa

(Asclepiadaceae family)

Description:

A bushy, herbaceous perennial 18 to 30 inches tall by 18 to 24 inches wide, known for its large, flat-topped clusters of bright orange flowers.  Butterfly weed is a type of milkweed (a group of plants with milky sap that is poisonous to most insects).  Its bright flowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies as well as larval host for the monarch and queen butterflies.

 

Growing Conditions:

Butterfly weed prefers full sun and well-drained soil and is drought tolerant. It is easily propogated from cuttings or seed. Aphids can be a problem on the stems and buds when flowering. Butterfly Weed is a great choice for meadow plantings and other naturalized plantings.