Save 15% on all preorders of Native Plants until January 31st! 30% Off Shipping!
Save 15% on all preorders of Native Plants until January 31st! 30% Off Shipping!
Phonetic: as-KLEE-pee-as too-ber-OH-sah
Butterfly weed thrives in full sun, requiring at least six hours of direct sunlight each day to produce its vibrant orange blooms. It prefers dry to medium, well-drained soils and is highly tolerant of drought once established. Unlike many milkweed species, butterfly weed does not tolerate poorly drained or overly moist conditions, which can lead to root rot. Butterfly weed has a deep tap root so it does not transplant well once established.
This hardy perennial plays a vital role in supporting native pollinators. Its nectar-rich flowers attract a wide range of insects, including native bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Most notably, butterfly weed is an essential host plant for the monarch butterfly , providing food for its caterpillars, as well as for the larvae of the queen butterfly. By sustaining these iconic species through their life cycles, butterfly weed contributes significantly to the health of native ecosystems and helps counteract the decline of pollinator populations.
In gardens, butterfly weed is valued for both its ecological benefits and its ornamental beauty. Its clusters of bright orange flowers add long-lasting color to sunny borders, rock gardens, and native plantings. Because it is drought-tolerant and requires little maintenance, it is an excellent choice for pollinator gardens.
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