The long lasting, bright orange flowers along with its low mounded profile make this the most popular of milkweeds. True to its name Butterflyweed attracts legions of butterflies and is an important host plant for the caterpillars of Monarch, Grey Hairstreak, and Queen butterflies.
A favorite prairie plant for all types of gardens, a mature Butterflyweed plant in an ideal location can become a gorgeous specimen, with multiple flowering stems spreading across a 2′ high plant, all forming an impressive mound. Established plants have a deep tap root that extends down a foot or more. They can be transplanted if dug very carefully during dormancy. This rugged native will thrive in sunny locations in dry sandy soil to well-drained loam. |
Care Needs full sun and well-drained soil.
Fine Gardening Recommended Products
The Nature of Oaks: The Rich Ecology of Our Most Essential Native Trees
Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
Planting in a Post-Wild World: Designing Plant Communities for Resilient Landscapes
Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
Pruning Simplified: A Step-by-Step Guide to 50 Popular Trees and Shrubs
Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
- Genus : Asclepias
- Plant Width : 1 to 3 feet
- Plant Height : 1 to 3 feet
- Zones : 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
- Tolerance : Deer Tolerant, Drought Tolerant
- Light : Full Sun
- Foliage Color : Green
- Plant Type : Perennials
- Bloom Time : Summer
Plant Characteristics are only available to Fine Gardening members
Sign up for a free trial and get instant access to our complete plant guide as well as our entire collection of articles and videos.