Butterfly Milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa) is a striking native perennial prized for its vibrant orange blooms and its vital role in supporting pollinators. Native to much of the eastern and central United States, it thrives in dry to medium, well-drained soils and full sun, commonly found in prairies, open woods, and roadsides. Growing 1 to 3 feet tall, this clump-forming milkweed features upright stems with narrow, lance-shaped leaves and brilliant flat-topped flower clusters that bloom from late spring to mid-summer. Unlike many other milkweeds, A. tuberosa lacks the typical milky sap, making it unique among its genus.
Ecologically, Butterfly Milkweed is an essential host plant for Monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus), which lay their eggs on its leaves. Its nectar-rich flowers also attract a wide variety of pollinators, including native bees, swallowtail butterflies, fritillaries, and hummingbirds. Once established, the plant is drought-tolerant thanks to its deep taproot, and it performs well in native meadows, pollinator gardens, and restoration projects where low-maintenance and high ecological value are desired. Historically, Indigenous peoples used the plant for medicinal purposes and to treat ailments such as pleurisy, which is reflected in one of its common names—Pleurisy Root.
