Asclepias tuberosa (butterfly milkweed)

Butterfly milkweed is a species of milkweed with bright orange flowers that scream "Monarchs stop here!" These are sturdy 2' plants easily grown in average, dry to medium, well-drained soils in full sun. Does well in poor, dry soils. New growth tends to emerge late in the spring. Butterfly milkweed does not transplant well due to its long taproot and is probably best left undisturbed once established. Blooms from June to July. Good for pollinator gardens, meadows, sunny borders, and naturalized areas. Very deer resistant.

Butterfly milkweed is native to eastern and central North America, growing in prairies, open woods, and hillsides. Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds and is a larval host to the grey hairstreak, monarch and queens butterflies. Supports conservation biological control by attracting predatory or parasitoid insects that prey upon insect pests. Attracts aphids, which in turn attracts ladybugs. Special value to native bees. 

BONAP Native Range Map (bright green indicates county native, dark green indicates state native)  

Photo by Kellen McCluskey

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