Butterfly Milkweed, PA Ecotype

Asclepias tuberosa (Butterfly Milkweed) is an erect-growing, clump-forming milkweed. This native milkweed can grow to a height of 2.9 ft. and notably lacks the sticky, milky sap typically associated with milkweeds. The leaves of Butterfly Milkweed are arranged in an alternate position on the stems. This wildflower has hairy stems and long tuberous roots. Asclepias turberosa blooms midsummer, producing bright orange and occasionally reddish or yellow flowers. This milkweed is the only native perennial wildflower we carry that has orange flowers. The color is so striking that a single colony of Butterfly Milkweed may be identified at a quarter-mile distance. The flowers of Asclepias tuberosa do not produce a noticeable fragrance. During seed set, the pods form in a candelabra-like arrangement. Butterfly Milkweed typically grows in full sun, but can occur in partial shade and prefers well-drained soils. This milkweed is a caterpillar host for monarch butterflies and provides nectar for many species of native bees and butterflies. Butterfly Milkweed is a great addition to pollinator-friendly upland meadow mixes, particularly those in hiigh-profile locations where a stunning show is desired. Since Asclepias tuberosa is susceptible to Cercospora Leaf Spot, which can cause stand decline, we do not advocate planting this species in a monoculture. Seed dormancy can be high for individual lots of Butterfly Milkweed. We recommend three months of cold, moist stratification to break this dormancy for transplant production. Butterfly Milkweed is a member of the milkweed (Asclepiadaceae) family. The genus name is derived from Asklepios, the Greek god of medicine. The species name tuberosa means “tuberous”, referring to the roots of this milkweed.