Asclepias tuberosa Butterfly Milkweed
General
A beautiful wildflower with striking orange blossoms, that attract butterflies, hence the common name. Host plant for monarch butterfly larvae. It is a bit slower to establish than other milkweeds and somewhat difficult to transplant, but will grow easily from seed. Unlike other milkweeds, it will not show any milk-like substance when crushed or broken. It is endangered or threatened in Maine, New Hampshire, New York and Vermont. Once established, requires little maintenance other than occasional watering during dry spells. Prefers nutrient-poor soils.
Plant Description
Bright orange flowers bloom in mid to late summer. The leaves are lance shaped, up to five inches long with entire edges, and slightly fuzzy. Large seed pods that will show fluffy white material and round, flat, dark brown seeds when opened. A central, sturdy taproot. Will grow to about 2' tall. Clump-forming growth habitat with erect stems. The flowers are clustered at the tops of the stems in umbrella-like inflorescences called umbels. Each umbel contains 10 to 20 small, star-shaped flowers. Color of flowers range from bright orange to reddish-orange. Bloom early to late summer and commonly found in open fields, meadows and along roadsides.
Height (ft)
2
Soil moisture
Dry to Moist
Soil types
Variable, Well-Drained
Wetland indicator
FACU
Shade tolerance
Intolerant, Full Sun
Bloom color
Orange
Bloom period
Mid to Late Summer
Drought tolerance
High
Salinity tolerance
None
Range
Eastern half of the United States, and the Southwestern desert area. Endangered or threatened in ME, NH, NY, VT.
Additional Information
According to USDA NRCS National Plant Data Center, butterfly milkweed has been used by indigenous people in the United States and southern Canada in many different ways. The fibers have been used as cord material, clothing material as well as ingested. The shoots, stems and roots are consumed as vegetables. Medicinally, this species has been used to treat respiratory and digestive issues as well as snake bites. Can be toxic depending on which part of the plant and how one prepares it.