Butterfly Weed for Monarchs and More
Asclepias tuberosa: Butterfly weed, Butterfly milkweed, Pleurisy root
Plant Specs:
- Perennial: USDA hardiness zones 3a-9b (lows -40 °C or -40 °F)
- Native to most of the Continental US and eastern Canada
- Plant in full sun
- Height: 2 to 3 feet
- Spacing: 15-18 in.
- Majestically crowned orange flowers
- ‘Hello Yellow’ cultivar has yellow blooms
- Leaves don’t contain milky sap like other species
Plant Propagation:
- Sow directly in fall– November is a good option for most regions
- Start seeds indoors 2 months before final frost- refrigerator cold stratification required
- Spring Sow seeds directly after final frost- don’t forget to stratify first
- Divide your butterfly weed
- Winter sowing provides a natural cold stratification
- Start seeds in a cup of water. Use a heated seed mat. no cold stratification necessary
Pros:
- Serves as Host and Nectar plant
- Popular nectar source for many butterflies
- Attracts a wide range of beneficial pollinators
- Summer Blooming Plant
- Not considered invasive
- The thick, rugged leaves present a good place for chrysalis formation
- Make a nice cut flower for your home
- Deer resistant
Cons:
- Rough leaves for monarch caterpillars, not typically a heavily used host plant
- hard to transplant because of tap root
- Aphids can be an issue
- Difficult to grow in clay soil
- Takes up to 3 years to really get growing
Tuberosa Growing Tips:
- Grows well in sandy, well-draining soils
- Fertilize with organic slow-release fertilizer
- This can be a difficult choice in the wrong spot. However, it also can take awhile to get going. Give it 3 years to prove it’s worthy for your garden
- Since tuberosa can be temperamental about growing conditions, try planting in a couple different spots to see where it grows best.
- Transplant milkweed in early spring or fall for a higher survival rate
- Cut off pods to stop seeding or
- Use twist ties or rubber bands to bind pods for seed collection
Pollinator Plus:
This milkweed also attracts bumblebees, eastern tiger swallowtails, fritillaries, hairstreaks, honeybees, painted ladies, pipevine swallowtails, and more. (If you know of other pollinators Asclepias tuberosa attracts, please share your sightings below.)
Resources:
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