First photo courtesy of Leonardo DaSilva
Phonetic: as-KLEE-pee-as too-ber-OH-sah
Butterfly weed is a long lived, low maintenance, well behaved addition to a garden. Plant in groups of three for a striking effect. It is named for the multitude of butterflies attracted to the abundant amount of nectar that it produces as well as being a host plant to the monarch butterfly. Butterfly weed has a deep tap root so it does not transplant well once established.
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Hardiness Zone: 3 - 9
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Sun Exposure: Full Sun, Partial Sun
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Native Northeast Region: USDA Database
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Flower Color: Orange
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Bloom Time: June, July, August
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Soil Type: Medium - Dry
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Mature Plant Size: 2 - 3'H 2'W
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Plant Spacing: 1.5 - 2'
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Host Plant: Monarch, Queen, Grey Hairstreak
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Attracts: Bees, Birds, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
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Advantages: Deer resistant, drought/poor soil with good drainage tolerant, low maintenance
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Landscape Uses: Butterfly gardens, meadows, perennial borders, pollinator gardens
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Companion Plants: Lance leaf coreopsis, cat mint, purple coneflower, black eyed susan
