Butterfly Weed
Asclepias tuberosa
as-KLEE-pee-us too-ber-OH-suh
Perennials: Rock Star
Zone
4: -30° to -20°
Min. Temp
Hardy: 28°
Butterfly weed is a tuberous rooted perennial which produces bright orange to yellow-orange flowers atop upright stems with narrow, lance-shaped leaves.
Appearance
Summer Foliage
Green
Fall Foliage
Green
Flower Color
Orange
Blooming Time
Early Summer - Fall
Habit
Mounding
Height
2–3 ft
Spread
2–3 ft
Form
Umbel
Characteristics
Type
Native Selection
Safety
Toxic to Dogs/Cats
Growth Rate
Moderate
Tolerance/Resistance
Heat Tolerant, Drought Tolerant
Attracts
Attracts Butterflies; Attracts Honeybees & Pollinators; Attracts Beneficial Insects; Attracts Every Good Thing
Uses/Placement
Massed
Optimal Growing Conditions
Sun Exposure
Full Sun: 8-12 hrs
Soil Texture
Well-Drained
Soil Drainage
Well-drained
Soil Moisture
Dry
Soil PH
Slightly Alkaline: 7.0-7.5
PH Tolerance
Prefers slightly alkaline soil
Soil Amendment(s)
Mycorrhizae
Fertilizer
Avoid Over-Fertilizing
Fertilizer Formula
Balanced Fertilizer
Fertilizer Timing
Pre-Bloom
Micronutrients
Trace Minerals Beneficial
Care
Care Level
Low
Behavior and Propagation
Spreading
Moderate Spreader
Propagation Method
Benefits from Pollinators
Propagation Licensing
Open propagation permitted
Division Timing
Spring or Fall Division