Common Name:
Butterfly weed
Scientific Name:
Asclepias tuberosa
Type:
Herbaceous perennial
Maximum height:
1.00-3.00ft
Maximum spread:
0.00-2.00ft
Bloom time:
Spring/summer (June-August), ~8 weeks
Bloom month:
June,
July,
August
Grows best in:
Full sun,
Medium-dry soil
Rewards offered:
Nectar,
Pollen
Butterfly weed, or Asclepias tuberosa, is a recognizable milkweed spceies native to Massachusetts. With large clusters or orange flowers, it offers both a pollen and nectar reward to insect pollinators.
*It's native to most of the United States, besides the Pacific Northwest and select states, including Nevada and North Dakota.
This species also serves as an important food source for Monarch butterfly larvae. Butterfly weed, though, attracts far more than just butterflies. Butterflies, hummingbirds, bees, and beyond visit Asclepisa tuberosa to feed.
One of the best parts about this species is that it's easy to grow and does well from seed. It tolerates drought and is resistant to deer.