Butterfly Milkweed

Asclepias tuberosa

Native to: All of New England

Life cycle: Perennial

Light: Full/Partial Sun

Soil Moisture: Medium to Dry

Height: 12-30”
Spread: 1-2’
Spacing: 1-3’

Blooms: June-August
Bloom Color: Orange

Natural Habitat: Pine barrens, dry, sandy meadows, and roadsides

Pairs Well With: Smooth blue aster and sundial lupine

Benefits: Pollinator Favorite, Bird Favorite, Deer/Rabbit Resistant, Host Plant (eg. Grey Hairstreak, Monarch, Queens), Drought Tolerant, Salt Tolerant, Urban Environment

“A summer-blooming wildflower in the milkweed family that is an important host to the monarch butterfly. Mid-summer blooming, orange flower clusters attract many species of butterflies and pollinating insects. Must have sunny, dry soil to thrive. Excellent dry garden plant or naturalized in a dry meadow. Deer-resistant foliage.”

– Wild Seed Project

“Beloved by hummingbirds, monarch butterflies and gardeners alike, butterfly milkweed is best grown in poor, dry soils in full sun for that irresistible burst of life year after year. It is surprisingly tolerant of partial shade, but will emerge later there!”

– Native Plant Trust