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Butterfly Weed: Asclepias tuberosa

Butterfly Weed: Asclepias tuberosa

$6.00Price
Size
Plug
4"
Quantity
Butterfly Weed
Asclepias tuberosa
 
A striking native perennial with brilliant orange flowers and exceptional wildlife value. Butterfly Weed is one of the most recognizable milkweeds and is an excellent choice for sunny, dry areas where you want long-lasting summer color and a plant that supports native pollinators.
Its clusters of orange flowers are highly attractive to butterflies and other pollinators, while its foliage provides food for monarch caterpillars. Unlike some milkweeds, Butterfly Weed has a deep taproot and does not spread aggressively by underground rhizomes.
 
Growing Conditions:
  • Sun: Full sun
  • Soil moisture: Dry–mesic to mesic
  • Soil: Well-drained; adaptable to sandy, rocky, or average soils
  • Height: 1–3 ft
  • Bloom time: Late spring–summer
  • Flower color: Orange
  • Native range: Eastern and central North America
 
Wildlife Value:
  • Important host plant for monarch butterfly caterpillars
  • Excellent nectar source for butterflies, bees, and other pollinators
  • Flowers attract a wide variety of native insects
 
Don't Worry If It Doesn't Flower Right Away:
Native perennials don't always flower their first year, and that's completely normal! Young plants often put much of their energy into developing a strong root system and establishing themselves in their new environment. Depending on the species, you may see limited or no flowering during the first growing season, with more substantial flowering beginning in year two and beyond.
 
Watering for Establishment:
For the best results, water your new plants regularly during their first 6 weeks after planting, particularly during periods of hot or dry weather. Once established, many native plants are relatively drought tolerant when planted in an appropriate location for the species.
 
Plant for the future: The first year is about putting down roots. Give your native plants time to establish, and you'll be rewarded with stronger, more resilient plants in the seasons ahead.
 
Garden Use:
Excellent for sunny native gardens, pollinator gardens, meadow plantings, prairie-style gardens, and dry areas where you want bright summer flowers without a plant that requires constant watering.
 
WNS Note:
Asclepias tuberosa is a straight native species, not a cultivar, selected for its ecological value and importance to native wildlife.
 
Sourcing:
Seeds were sourced from Common Violets LLC, 8.1 ecoregion.
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