New England Wild Flower Society

Printed at http://plantfinder.nativeplanttrust.org/index.cfm/

Asclepias tuberosa

butterfly milkweed, butterfly weed

Beloved by hummingbirds, monarch butterflies and gardeners alike, butterfly milkweed is best grown in poor, dry soils in full sun for that irresistible burst of life year after year. It is surprisingly tolerant of partial shade, but will emerge later there!

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Height: 12-30 in
Spread: 12-24 in
Hardiness Zone: 3-9


Bloom Color: Orange

Characteristics & Attributes

Cultivation Status
• Species
Exposure
• Sun
Soil Moisture
• Average
• Dry
Ecoregion
• (83) Eastern Great Lakes Lowlands
• (58) Northeastern Highlands
• (84) Atlantic Coastal Pine Barrens
• (59) Northeastern Coastal Zone
Ornamental Interest
• Summer Bloom
Attracts Wildlife
• Other Pollinators/Wildlife
• Attracts Butterflies
• Attracts Bees
• Host Plant
Tolerance
• Urban Environment
• Drought Tolerant
• Deer/Rabbit Resistant
• Salt Tolerant
Additional Attributes
• Low Maintenance
Landscape Use
• Meadow garden
• Massing
• Rock garden
• Naturalize
• Specimen
Growth Habit
• Compact/Clumping


North American Distribution


butterfly milkweed - Asclepias tuberosa from Native Plant Trust
butterfly milkweed - Asclepias tuberosa from Native Plant Trust
butterfly milkweed - Asclepias tuberosa from Native Plant Trust
butterfly milkweed - Asclepias tuberosa from Native Plant Trust