Botanical Name: Asclepias tuberosa

Common Name: Butterfly Weed, Butterfly Milkweed

Hardiness Zone: Perennial in Most Climates (USDA Zones 3–9)

Size: 24–36" Tall × 18–24" Spread

Growth Habit: Upright, Clump-Forming Habit

Sunlight: Thrives in Full Sun

Soil: Prefers Well-Drained Soil; Tolerates Sandy, Rocky, and Poor Soils

Water Needs: Low Once Established; Drought Tolerant

Bloom Season: Late Spring through Summer

Fertilizer: None Required; Avoid Excess Fertility

Features: Bright Orange Flower Clusters, Native Perennial, Monarch Host Plant, Exceptional Pollinator Attraction, Deer Resistant

Uses: Ideal for Pollinator Gardens, Native Plantings, Prairie Gardens, Meadow Plantings, and Perennial Borders

Patent: ❌ Not Patented

Propagation: ✔ Propagation Allowed

See our complete Asclepias Growth & Care Guide for more care tips

More About Asclepias ‘Butterfly Milkweed’

Asclepias ‘Butterfly Milkweed’ (Asclepias tuberosa) is one of the most important and widely loved native pollinator plants in North America. Its vivid orange flower clusters provide a bold, long-lasting display while serving a critical ecological role as a host plant for monarch butterflies. Unlike many milkweeds, butterfly weed has a clean, upright habit and does not produce milky sap, making it easier to work with in the garden.

The flowers are rich in nectar and attract an impressive range of pollinators, including monarchs, swallowtails, native bees, and beneficial insects. Deep taproots allow the plant to thrive in hot, dry conditions once established, making it exceptionally low-maintenance and long-lived.

Why We Like It (Our Trials)

In our trials, butterfly milkweed has proven to be one of the most reliable native perennials for heat, drought, and poor soil conditions. Once established, it requires very little care and returns strong year after year without flopping or spreading aggressively.

Pollinator activity is constant. Monarchs use the plant both as a nectar source and as a place to lay eggs, while bees and butterflies cover the blooms throughout the day. We also appreciate its resistance to deer and its ability to perform beautifully without fertilizers or supplemental watering.

Asclepias ‘Butterfly Milkweed’ vs. Other Milkweed Species

Compared to common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca), butterfly milkweed is far more garden-friendly. It stays clump-forming rather than spreading aggressively and fits easily into designed landscapes.

When compared to swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata), A. tuberosa prefers drier, better-drained soils and excels in sunny, open sites. For gardeners looking to support monarchs while maintaining a clean, intentional garden aesthetic, butterfly milkweed is often the best starting point.