Butterfly Weed

Asclepias tuberosa “Butterfly Weed”

Price range: $4.50 through $11.00

The Flame of the Prairie

In the height of summer, Asclepias tuberosa, known as butterfly weed, erupts in a blaze of fiery orange blooms that set meadows, roadsides, and garden borders aglow. Its flower clusters — a vivid contrast against narrow, deep-green leaves — create a beacon that draws clouds of butterflies, especially monarchs, along with bees, skippers, and hummingbirds.

Unlike many of its milkweed cousins, this North American native contains no milky sap; its stems exude a clear juice. It thrives in sunny, dry locations where other perennials struggle, making it a long-lived and low-maintenance choice for pollinator gardens, rock gardens, and prairie restorations. Its taproot anchors it deeply in the soil, giving it impressive drought tolerance once established.

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Description

🌿 Why ‘Butterfly Weed’ Lights Up the Landscape

  • Pollinator magnet — irresistible to butterflies and bees.
  • Brilliant blooms — fiery orange to golden flower clusters all summer.
  • Drought-hardy — thrives in dry, sandy, or rocky soils.
  • Low-maintenance native — no fuss once established.
  • Long-lived perennial — a steady performer in naturalized areas.

 

🌞 Care Guide for the Garden Blaze

  • Light: Full sun — needs 6–8+ hours daily for strongest flowering.
  • Soil: Well-draining, sandy, or gravelly soil; pH 6.0–7.5.
  • Watering: Minimal once established; avoid waterlogging.
  • Spacing: 12–18 inches apart.
  • Feeding: Rarely needed; overfertilization can cause floppy growth.
  • Pruning: Cut back stems in late fall or early spring.
  • Hardiness: Perennial in zones 3–9; dies back to the ground in winter.

 

🌾 Establishment Notes

Because of its deep taproot, A. tuberosa does not transplant easily. For best results, sow seeds directly in place in fall or early spring, or plant young nursery starts where they will remain permanently.

Additional information

Size

4” Size, 1-Gallon Size

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