Butterflyweed (Asclepias tuberosa)

Also known as Butterfly Milkweed, Pleurisy Root

Milkweed of meadows and prairies, grows 1- 2.5 feet tall.  It has umbels of orange flowers that bloom early summer to midsummer and sometimes again in late summer-autumn. One of few orange native flowers.  These are also great a cut flowers. 4″ pots from Massachusetts supplier.

Grows in dry, sunny locations.

Butterflyweed is native to eastern, midwestern and southern US and Quebec. Although widespread in Massachusetts is it rare and protected in our neighboring New England states.

Like many other milkweeds this plant is a host for monarch butterflies.  Special attention has been brought to the milkweeds because of their specialist association with the monarch butterfly caterpillars as part of efforts to protect monarch butterflies.

• For more information on monarch butterflies: Monarchs and milkweed
• and this recent article:  are-monarchs-endangered-scientists-debate

High wildlife value, attract bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. It is the host for monarch butterfly and Queen butterfly caterpillars.

For really interesting details about pollination of milkweeds in general check this out!  sticky situation