Asclepias tuberosa
Growing Information
• Plant Type: Perennial
• Sunlight: Full sun
• Soils: Poor, well-drained
• Bloom Time: Orange to yellow flowers in June, July, August
• Size: 1-2 feet in height; 1-2 foot spread
Plant Butterfly Milkweed in mixed borders, meadows, and natural areas –even deep pots. Slow to emerge in spring. Drought tolerant. Pods contain seeds with silky parachutes that are dispersed by the wind.
Garden Companions
Big Bluestem grass (Andropogon virginicus), Little Bluestem grass (Schizachyrium scoparium), Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea), Threadleaf Coreopsis (Coreopsis verticillata), Anise-scented Goldenrod (Solidago odora)
Nature Benefits
• Host plant for the monarch butterfly caterpillar
• Offers nectar for hummingbirds, bumble bees, and other insects
Native Habitat
Occurs in dry fields and roadsides
Photos
