Asclepias tuberosa

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Butterfly Milkweed

Taxonomy

  • Kingdom: Plantae
  • Clade: Angiosperms
  • Clade: Eudicots
  • Clade: Asterids
  • Order: Gentianales
  • Family: Apocynaceae
  • Genus: Asclepias
  • Species: A. tuberosa

Common Names by Region

  • United States: Butterfly Milkweed, Orange Milkweed, Pleurisy Root
  • Canada: Butterfly Weed
  • Other Regions: Chigger Flower, Indian Paintbrush

Description

  • Growth Habit: Perennial herbaceous plant, upright clumping form
  • Size: Typically 1-3 feet tall
  • Leaves: Narrow, lanceolate, alternately arranged, bright green
  • Flowers: Clusters (umbels) of vibrant orange to reddish-orange flowers that attract butterflies and other pollinators

Known Range

  • Native Range: Eastern, Central, and Southern United States
  • Cultivated Range: Widely cultivated throughout temperate regions for ornamental and ecological purposes

Care Requirements

  • Light: Prefers full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily)
  • Watering: Low water requirement; drought-tolerant once established
  • Soil: Well-drained sandy or loamy soil; tolerates poor soil conditions
  • Humidity: Can withstand a range of humidity levels, but prefers drier conditions
  • Temperature: Thrives in warm climates; hardy in USDA zones 3-9
  • Propagation: By seed (best germination with cold stratification); can also be propagated through root cuttings
  • Common Pests/Diseases: Aphids are a common issue; susceptible to leaf spot and mildew if overwatered

Additional Notes

  • Special Features: Essential plant for supporting monarch butterflies as a host and nectar source; has medicinal history as pleurisy root for its traditional use in treating lung conditions
  • Maintenance Level: Low; requires minimal care after establishment and occasional deadheading to promote further blooming

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