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Click for previous Image Image 1 of 4 Asclepias tuberosa Butterfly Weed

Asclepias tuberosa

Butterfly Weed

Plant Type:

SUN PERENNIALS

Asclepias tuberosa Butterfly Weed. Deep bright orange summer bloomer milkweed relative which does draw bees and butterflies. Each floret upon close inspection betrays its allegiance to the milkweeds. The florets are arranged in a rayed, flat-topped flower head that is rather large with the color demanding attention. An easy perennial when in full sun planted in modest to scrabbled draining soil. Another fun feature is the large horned milkweed pods produced after flowering – another feature which visually links Butterfly Weed to the milkweeds. Great in the meadow garden, the larger full sun rock garden or the “wildish” perennial border. It is certainly a candidate for the wildlife garden. Asclepias tuberosa may even do some self-sowing in conditions in which it is most content. Butterfly Weed resents disturbance once established. Only 5 available in Autumn 2014. Seed grown.


Height:

12-24 in

Spread:

12-18 in

Colors:

Orange

Characteristics and Attributes for Asclepias tuberosa

Season of Interest (Flowering)

  • Summer

Autumn Interest

  • Fruit / Berries / Seed Heads

Nature Attraction

  • Honey Bees & Native Bees
  • Butterflies
  • Hummingbirds

Light

  • Full Sun

Attributes

  • Natural Garden
  • Border
  • Wildlife Garden
  • Drought Tolerant

Growth Rate in the Garden

  • Medium

Soil

  • Scrabbled
  • Average
  • Draining

Origins

  • Eastern North America

Propagated By

  • By Seed / Potted