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
Many of the flowering plants featured on our website are available through Nature Hills Nursery. Ordering them through this link will support the Cernunnos Foundation and your garden!
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