Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa)-Hort Answers - University of Illinois Extension
University of Illinois Extension

University of Illinois Extension

Hort Answers

Wildflowers

Butterfly Weed
Asclepias tuberosa

Butterfly weed in flower
Butterfly weed in flower
 
Features

Clusters of orange to red-orange flowers followed by narrow seedpods filled with seeds attached to white fluff.

 
 
Culture
Full sun; very tolerant of dry, infertile soils. 
 
Mature Height
1-2 Feet
 
Native To:
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Michigan
Missouri
Ohio
Wisconsin
 
USDA Hardiness Zone
4 - 9 
 
Bloom Color
Orange
Red
 
 
Bloom Season
June - September
 
Soil Conditions
Dry
Moist, Well-Drained
 
 
Exposure/Light Requirements
Full Sun
 
 
Pests and Problems

Environmental Damage


Additional pests and problems that may affect this plant:

No serious insect or disease problems. Caterpillars of Monarch butterfly will feed on this plant.

 
Additional Notes
Found in fields and dry soils.