Dyck Arboretum

Asclepias tuberosa

Butterfly Milkweed

Stout plants with a few to many stems arising from a woody rootstock. The stems and leaves are covered with hairs and the stems are usually unbranched. Umbels of orange flowers appear in the hottest part of the summer (June-August). Seed pods are 3-6 inches long, narrow and tappering at both ends. The reddish-brown seeds each have a tuft of white hair at the tip. Photo courtesy of North Creek Nursery

Interesting Notes
The King of the Milkweeds! Butterflies love it! One of the most recognizable prairie plants when in bloom. Colors of the flowers can be red, orange, or yellow depending on the geographic region it is found, with the most common color being orange. The only milkweed with clear sap all others have milky sap.

Growing Tips
Plant in spring or fall and establish with 2-3 weeks of daily watering depending of rainfall. Once established, it developes a tuberous root that is not easy to divide and move. Long lived and easy once established. Prefers a deep well-drained soil but can thrive on drier sites. Cut back in late winter or early spring in preparation for new growth.

Height
20-36 Inches

Spread
20-36 Inches

USDA Hardiness Zone
5

Good Companions
Smooth Blue Aster (Aster laevis)

Collections & Awards

GrowNative!

Kansas Wildflower Society's Wildflower of the Year

Characteristics & Attributes

Exposure

• Sun Tolerant

Soil Moisture Needs

• Dry

• Moderate

Soil Type

• Clay

• Amended

Attributes

• Fragrant

• Dried Flower

• Drought Tolerant

Nature Attraction

• Butterflies

• Beneficial Insects

Season of Interest

• Late Spring / Early Summer

• Summer

Flower Form

• Umbels

Design Use

• Container

• Filler

• Edging

• Specimen Plant

• Massing

Native Range / Habitat

Click to Enlarge

Tallgrass Prairie

Mixed Grass Prairie

Sand Prairie

Sandsage Prairie

Rocky Prairie

Open Wooded Slopes

Comments

Striking in flower. Found on sandy, loamy or rocky limestone tallgrass or mixed-grass prairies usually in the eastern 2/3 of Kansas. Native Americans used the roots as medicine. Also called Pleurisy Root.