Butterfly Milkweed
Butterfly Milkweed
Asclepias tuberosa
Plant Details:
Plant type: Perennial | Straight native species
Sun: Full sun
Soil moisture: Dry to medium
Mature size: 1–3 ft. tall × 1–2 ft. wide
Bloom time: June–August
Growth rate: Slow to medium
Container size: 1 gallon pot
Estimated size at pickup in feet (if available):
Great For
• Pollinator gardens and sunny borders
• Prairies and dry meadows
• Rock gardens and dry slopes
Ecological Benefits
• Flowers provide nectar for many bees and butterflies. Foliage feeds monarch and milkweed tussock moth caterpillars.
Why We Recommend It
We recommend Butterfly Weed for sunny, well-drained gardens that need bold summer color and strong monarch value. Its brilliant orange flowers attract many kinds of bees and butterflies, and its leaves provide food for monarch caterpillars. Once established, the deep-rooted plant handles heat, drought, and lean soil exceptionally well. It is best planted in its permanent location because it dislikes transplanting. Avoid wet or poorly drained sites, which can quickly lead to crown and root rot.
Good to Know
• Brilliant orange summer flowers
• Monarch host for dry, sunny gardens
• Long-lived and drought tolerant once established
Care/behavior information: Slow to establish from seed. Leave its deep taproot undisturbed and cut stems back in late winter.
Warning or placement concerns (if applicable): Does not transplant well. Wet or poorly drained soil can cause crown rot. Sap may irritate skin and plant parts are toxic if eaten.
Notable wildlife detail (if applicable): Host plant for monarch butterfly caterpillars.
Deer resistant (if applicable): Yes
Rabbit resistant (if applicable): Yes
Special tolerances: Drought; poor soil; heat; moderate salt
Fall 2026 Plant Pickup
This is a preorder item and will not be available until our fall pickup event. Plants are not shipped.
Pickup Dates
Thursday, October 1, 2026 |11:00 AM–6:00 PM in Noblesville, IN
Friday, October 2, 2026 | 10:00 AM–1:00 PM in Noblesville, IN
Pickup Location
Hamilton County Fairgrounds in Noblesville, Indiana. More info will be shared via email as the pick-up dates approach.
Please plan to pick up your order during one of these scheduled times. Plants are living material and cannot be held beyond the pickup event unless prior arrangements have been made.
Plant Guarantee
We guarantee that you will receive a healthy plant at pickup. Because survival depends on planting methods, weather, site conditions, and ongoing care, we cannot offer refunds or guarantees after pickup. Height estimates are approximate and not guaranteed. Remember that you're investing in a healthy root system—the foundation of long-term success—not simply above-ground height.
Photos courtesy of Arbor Day Foundation and/or Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder.
arden Plant Finder