Butterfly Weed

Butterfly Milkweed

Asclepias tuberosa

ass-KLE-pee-us too-ber-OH-suh
15 to 18 in.
15 to 18 in.
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low

orange

mid- to late summer

15 to 18 in.

15 to 18 in.

No

North America

sun

USDA zones 4-9

hardy to 8,000 ft.

Butterfly weed is a bushy, upright, native perennial with branched clusters of orange flowers. The dark green leaves are stiff and lance-shaped. Large seedpods split open in fall releasing showy, silky seeds. 

The flower color, fall leaf color, and interesting seedpods make this plant a wonderful addition to landscapes in our area. It is important to native insects, so it makes a good addition to a pollinator garden. Butterfly milkweed naturally grows on sandy or rocky soil.  

low

orange

mid- to late summer

15 to 18 in.

15 to 18 in.

No

North America

sun

USDA zones 4-9

hardy to 8,000 ft.

Butterfly milkweed has grown well for many years at the Xeriscape Demonstration Garden. Its flowers are usually very attractive, as are the fall foliage and seedpods. It looks especially nice when growing next to purple gayfeather, which blooms at the same time.

Cut old stems to ground level in late winter or early spring. These plants have a tap root and cannot be divided. If seeding is not desired, the seedpods should be removed before they split.