Butterfly Weed ( Asclepias tuberosa)
Butterfly Weed is aptly named as this bushy plant is known to attract many butterflies.
It is a milkweed plant that produces nectar, but doe not have that sappy juice that most milkweeds produce when they are damaged.
Origins
Butterfly weed is commonly found throughout the eastern and southern parts of the United States.
Color
This is a busy plant with green leaves and orange or yellow flower clusters that are 2 to 4 inches wide.
Height
This bushy plant grows 1 ½ to 2 feet tall.
Flowers In
Butterfly Weed flowers from April to September. After blooming, the plant produces a long pod that is filled with seeds attached to hairlike tufts which are carried along with the wind to propagate the plant.
Care
Plant Butterfly Weed in well drained soil or clay. It can survive in full sun or partial shade.
Propagation
Seeds and root division – plant in late summer or early fall.
Medicinal Properties
It is rumored that the root was once used to treat respiratory problems such as asthma.
More Perennials:
Perennial Garden Flower Guide
A to Z perennials
Mugwort
Find out about this plant which has many ancient medicinal uses.
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