SCIENTIFIC NAME: Asclepias tuberosa ‘Gay Butterflies’

COMMON NAME: ‘Gay Butterflies’ Butterfly Weed

GARDEN SIZE: 25-29 inches tall x 18-23 inches wide

GROWTH RATE: Slow

USDA ZONE: 4-9

EXPOSURE: Full Sun

WATER & SOIL: Well-drained average or sandy soil. Lower than average water needs.

HABIT (FORM): Upright, Clumping

FOLIAGE: Deciduous; Light Green

FLOWERS: Orange, yellow, or red; Blooms mid to late summer

FRUIT: Seed pods

PLANT ORIGIN: Native to Tennessee

WILDLIFE SUPPORT: Sole host plant for the monarch butterfly. Feeds native bees, moths, and butterflies. Attracts beneficial insects and hummingbirds.

FERTILIZING: Give a root stimulant or 4-3-3 fertilizer during initial planting, then feed lightly in late winter or early spring with compost or an organic fertilizer. Never use pesticides.

PRUNING: Cut back to just above soil level in early spring. Leave the seedheads in place over the fall and winter to support wildlife.

TOXICITY FLAGS: Toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Not considered edible for humans. The white latex sap can also irritate the skin and eyes if touched. The white latex sap can also irritate the skin and eyes if touched.

USES: Meadows, prairies, pollinator gardens.

NOTE: Dried milkweed fibers can be used to make sturdy twine!