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Butterfly Weed

Asclepias tuberosa
SKU: HC017744
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Overview
Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa) is a must-have for the pollinator garden with clusters of bright orange flowers in summer. This native wildflower is easy to grow, cold hardy, and does well in poor, dry soils. Asclepias is an important nectar source for Monarch butterflies and the sole host plant for Monarch caterpillars. Drought resistant/drought tolerant (xeric).
key features
Botanical Name
Asclepias tuberosa
Growing Zones
Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9
Advantages
Native, Bee Friendly, Attracts Butterflies, Attracts Hummingbirds, Deer Resistant, Naturalizes, Fragrant
Soil Moisture
Waterwise, Average
Light Requirements
Full Sun
Mature Height
15-18" tall
Bloom Time
Late spring to summer
SKU
HC017744

Description

15-18" tall x 15-18" wide. Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa) is a host plant for Monarch butterfly caterpillars, and an attractive nectar plant for many varieties of butterflies. This selection is best for dry, sandy, and well-draining soils. For clay soils, see our Butterfly Weed (Clay Form) selection. As a long-lived, tap-rooted plant, Butterfly Weed will establish its deep roots and reach mature size over a couple of seasons, and it will naturalize with time. Deep tap roots prefer not to be transplanted. Butterfly Weed is slow to wake up in the spring, but worth the wait for the bright orange flowers in summer! To achieve a bushy look, pinch back young stems. Unlike other milkweeds, Butterfly Weed does not possess the milky sap that can irritate skin and eyes. Stalks and pods provide interest in the winter garden. Perennial Plant Association Plant of The Year 2017.  Asclepias tuberosa Native Range: AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NY, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WI, WV.

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