Asclepias tuberosa

Butterfly Milkweed, Butterfly Weed

A standout native perennial celebrated for its brilliant orange flower clusters, tidy habit, and exceptional value to monarch butterflies and pollinators. Unlike many milkweeds, Asclepias tuberosa prefers dry, well-drained soils and has a deep taproot that makes it extremely drought tolerant once established.

Key features



Width: 18–24 in (1.5–2 ft)



Height: 24–36 in (2–3 ft)



Flower color: Bright orange (occasionally yellow or red-orange forms)



Bloom time: Late spring to mid summer



Foliage: Narrow, lance-shaped green leaves



Form: Upright, clump-forming



Life cycle: Herbaceous perennial



Growing conditions



Sun: Full sun



Soil: Dry to medium, well-drained; prefers sandy or gravelly soils



Water: Low; very drought tolerant once established



Hardiness: USDA Zones 3–9



Landscape use



Pollinator and butterfly gardens



Native plantings and meadows



Perennial borders



Prairie and xeric gardens



Roadside and restoration plantings



Notes



Important larval host plant for monarch butterflies



Highly attractive to bees and other pollinators



Generally deer resistant



Does not transplant easily due to deep taproot



Seed pods provide late-season interest

Plant type

Perennial

Height

24-36"

Width

12-24"

Hardiness zones

3–9

Sunlight

Full Sun

Growth rate

Moderate

Bloom time

Early Fall, Early Summer, Late Summer, Summer

Flower color

Orange

Leaf color

Green

Fall color

Green

Attracts

Butterflies, Hummingbirds

Soil

Clay, Loamy, Well Drained

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Container, Mass Planting

Shape

Broad Upright, Clump

Fruit

Yes

Fragrant

Yes

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No