Butterfly Milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa) is typically found in dryer, sandier soils. This shorter bright orange flowered member of the milkweed genus is a great stand alone garden plant as well as a necessary component of short grass prairie ecosystems.
Unlike other milkweeds, a plucked butterfly milkweed leaf does not exude a milky sap.
In presettlement times, Asclepias tuberosa was found only in prairie sites. It was one of a few prairie species that was able to naturally seed, grow, and proliferate in open, dry, non-prairie environments. It therefore is found throughout the region and is not a specific prairie indicator.
Its range extends to cover the entire United States with the exception of the north western portion.
It is a host plant for Monarch butterflies and supports countless other pollinators.
Seed Info
Seed Envelopes contain approximately 0.02 ounces of seed and cover about 5 to 10 square feet.
What is Stratification?
Product Details
Flower Color: Orange
Height: 2 to 4 Feet
Light Requirements: Full Sun
Soil Hydrology: Dry to Mesic Soils
Bloom Time: June to August
Plant Type: Perennial
Stratification: Cold Moist (CM) 60 Days
Attracts: Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Host Plant: Monarch, Grey Hairstreak, Queens