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Butterflyweed

Asclepias tuberosa

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.

  • Genus : Asclepias
  • Plant Height : 1 to 3 feet
  • Plant Width : 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

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