Butterfly Weed - Asclepias tuberosa

Attracted Pollinators: Butterflies and Bees

Duration: Perennial

Size: 12-30" high; 12-18" spread

Growing Conditions:

- Light Exposure: full sun

- Water Use: dry to moderate

- Soil: mildly acidic pH (>6.8), moderate to dry soil, thrives in nutrient poor soil

Butterfly weed is native to the arid plains of North America. Its large tap root make it highly drought resistant and allows it to thrive in soils lacking carbon and nitrogen. The native bush has small, fragrant, bright-orange flowers that form tight bunches on the terminus of its stems and effectively attract a variety of pollinators (butterflies in particular), and bloom starting in late spring and lasting throughout summer. It also acts as a host plant to Monarch and Queen butterfly larvae.