SCIENTIFIC NAME: Asclepias tuberosa

COMMON NAME: Butterfly Weed

GARDEN SIZE: 1–2.5' tall x 1–1.5' wide

GROWTH RATE: Slow to establish, moderate thereafter

USDA ZONE: 3–9

EXPOSURE: Full Sun

WATER & SOIL: Prefers dry to medium moisture, well-drained soil. Tolerates poor, rocky, or shallow soils and drought. Avoid wet or poorly drained locations.

HABIT (FORM): Clump-forming perennial with upright to reclining hairy stems; deep taproot

FOLIAGE: Narrow, lance-shaped, dark green leaves; arranged alternately along the stem; lacks milky sap

FLOWERS: Showy, bright yellow-orange to orange umbels bloom June–August; long blooming season

FRUIT: Prominent, spindle-shaped seed pods (3–6") split open when ripe to release silky-tailed seeds; useful in dried arrangements

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.

USES: Meadows, prairies, pollinator gardens.