Asclepias tuberosa / Butterfly Milkweed

This stunning milkweed is one of our most vivid wildflowers. Pollinators are as attracted to it as we are, and it is a host plant for monarch caterpillars and milkweed tussock moth caterpillars. Used in herbal medicine for bronchitis and other conditions. An extremely long-lived plant, but only in well-drained, friable soils with ample sun.  In the wild, its long taproot resprouts after fire and it thrives where flames have removed competition. Deer resistant, non-aggressive.

This is a specialized, niche-adapted milkweed species. If you are looking to feed monarchs in a garden, you should consider one of the common, easy-to-grow species such as swamp milkweed or common milkweed.

Height: 2′ – 3′        Blooms: June, July, August

Siting: Well-drained, sun to part sun

Deer Resistance: High

Provenance: NJ

Seasonally Available: This species will be available for purchase after emergence. This is typically in late spring/early summer. No holds or advance orders.