Genus: Asclepias
Species: tubrosa
Common Name: Butterfly Weed
Family: Apocynaceae + Asclepiadaceae
Order: Gentianales
Native: Eastern North America
Habit: Herbaceous Perennial
Height: 2 to 3 feet
Width: 1 to 2 feet
Flowering Season: Summer
Flower Color: Yellow-orange
Propagation: Seed, stem cutting, root cutting or division
Zone: 3-9
Note: This low-maintenance showy plant must establish
before it blooms. Butterfly weed is suitable for butterfly gardens, prairies,
perennial borders, cut flower gardens and meadows. Unlike the other species
of this family, butterfly weed does not have a milky sap. The roots of
this plant were once used medicinally for treatment of lung inflammations.
Crown rot is a common problem for this plant if it is located in poorly-drained,
wet media. Monitor plant regularly for aphids, leaf spot and rust. Prefers
sunny, moist, well-drained, organic-rich, sandy-loam soil.
