Butterfly Milkweed

Butterfly Milkweed

Asclepias tuberosa

Butterfly Milkweed is a native perennial, cool-season forb that grows between 2 to 3 feet tall. Unlike other milkweeds, this species does not have sap-filled stems. Butterfly Milkweed is very adaptable and non-aggressive, which makes it ideal for home garden use. Milkweeds grow in clumps beside roadways, on abandoned farmlands, and in other open areas throughout the United States. Butterfly Milkweed grows on sandy, loamy, or rocky limestone soils of prairies, open woodlands, roadsides, and disturbed areas similar to other milkweed species. Butterfly Milkweed increases by underground shoots and can be invasive. It is ideal in semi-dry places where it can spread without presenting problems for other ornamental species. The abundant nectar of milkweed flowers attracts hummingbirds, butterflies, honey bees, native bees, and other beneficial insects. Animals avoid milkweed if other forage is available.