Description

Butterfly Milkweed Plants

Asclepias Tuberosa

This attractive variety of Asclepias (also called Pleurisy Root) is a beautiful addition to your garden and also looks great in a pot or container for rooftop and patio gardens. Preferring full sun and dry, loamy soil, the ‘tuberosa’ attracts many different pollinators and is essential to the Monarch butterfly’s survival.

Self seeding and drought resistant, the ‘tuberosa’ produces stunning orange clusters of blooms and is commonly known as “butterfly milkweed” because of its popularity with butterflies and also goes by the names “pleurisy root.”

Though slow growing, this plant has been used by Native Americans for its medicinal benefits as an expectorant and treatment for respiratory infections and coughs, and has also been known to increase milk production in nursing mothers.

Asclepias tuberosa Native Range: AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NY, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WI, WV

Asclepias Tuberosa (Butterfly Milkweed)

Characteristics: Asclepias are a carefree plant, producing flowers heavily laden with nectar and pollen. They are particularly attractive to hummingbirds, butterflies, bees, and other beneficial insects.

Light: Be sure to plant your Asclepias in full sun.

Water: Water your Asclepias when dry. Be careful not to over-water, and avoid soggy soils.

Soil: Asclepias is relatively drought-resistant, and loves dry, loamy soil.

Use: Gather blooms all summer long for gorgeous arrangements. Sear the ends of the cut stems over a flame to stop the milky sap from leaking out.

Extras: Deadheading spent flowers will stimulate another bloom cycle about a month after the first. It has a taproot, therefore will not transplant well.

Please note: Milkweed does contain toxins that can beharmful to pets