Asclepias tuberosa
Asclepias tuberosa | butterfly milkweed
As with other native milkweeds, this species is a host plant for monarch butterfly caterpillars, but with its long taproot, butterfly weed is adapted to— and thrives in—sandy or dry sites with full sun. It is also well behaved and suitable for small gardens, but well-draining soils are essential. Plants can be slow to emerge in spring, but they will still reach peak bloom by early summer, bringing forth a burst of bold orange flowers that attracts bees, wasps, butterflies, moths and other insects. LOCAL ECOTYPE.
QT. pot
Asclepias tuberosa | butterfly milkweed
As with other native milkweeds, this species is a host plant for monarch butterfly caterpillars, but with its long taproot, butterfly weed is adapted to— and thrives in—sandy or dry sites with full sun. It is also well behaved and suitable for small gardens, but well-draining soils are essential. Plants can be slow to emerge in spring, but they will still reach peak bloom by early summer, bringing forth a burst of bold orange flowers that attracts bees, wasps, butterflies, moths and other insects. LOCAL ECOTYPE.
QT. pot
Asclepias tuberosa | butterfly milkweed
As with other native milkweeds, this species is a host plant for monarch butterfly caterpillars, but with its long taproot, butterfly weed is adapted to— and thrives in—sandy or dry sites with full sun. It is also well behaved and suitable for small gardens, but well-draining soils are essential. Plants can be slow to emerge in spring, but they will still reach peak bloom by early summer, bringing forth a burst of bold orange flowers that attracts bees, wasps, butterflies, moths and other insects. LOCAL ECOTYPE.
QT. pot
HABIT
Height: 2-3’
Bloom Time: early- to mid-summer
SITE CONDITIONS
Light: full sun
Soil: average, medium-dry, dry
CULTIVATION TIPS
Establishment: can be slow to size up, but extremely resilient once established
Deer Resistance: high
INTERACTIONS
Pollinator Support: very high
Other: host plant for monarch butterfly
CONSERVATION
Native Range: local ecotype
Seed Origin: Fairfield County, CT