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- Inflorescence
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- Inflorescence
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- Seed capsule opening to release seeds
Scientific Name:
Asclepias tuberosa
Common Name:
Butterfly milkweed
Scientific Name Pronounciation:
(ass-KLE-pee-us tube-er-RO-suh)
Plant Type:
Perennial
Plant Hardiness Zones:
4-10
Plant Hardiness Zone(s):
Usual Size:
2-3 ft. H X 1-1.5 ft. W
Flower:
Orange (or reddish) flower consists of 4 petals hanging downward and a crown of 5 incurved horns. Many flowers are borne in a loose, wide cluster.
Bloom Time Notes:
Late spring.
Leaf:
Linear to oblong to lanceolate. Bottom of leaf is a lighter green then the top of the leaf. 2-4 inches long and 3/8 – ¾ inches wide.
Fruit:
Capsule that is elongate pointed pod containing flattened seeds with silk parachute.
Wildlife:
Host plant for the monarch butterfly; flowers have good nectar for other pollinators too.
Natural Habitat:
Open sunny areas like roadsides; drought tolerant once established.
Propagation:
Seed
Bloom Time:
Sun or Shade:
Companion Plants:
Cultural Notes:
Colorful and showy when in bloom, may rebloom later in summer. Drought tolerant when established. Monarch caterpillars may defoliate but leaves will grow back if early enough in the season.