Asclepias tuberosa ‘Gay Butterflies’ (Butterfly Weed)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selection of native Butterfly Weed with bloom colors ranging from bright golds, oranges, reds, and pinks. As the name implies, its flowers are attractive to butterflies and a myriad of other pollinators in summer and are followed by seed pods that split open and disperse the downy haired seed. Leaves are 3-4" long, narrow, and pointed. Larval host plant of the monarch and queen butterflies. Prefers average to dry soils and tolerates drought well due to its tuberous taproot.  

  • Plant Patent: n/a 
  • Container Size:  
  • USDA Zone: 3-9 
  • Height: 2-3’ 
  • Spread: 1-2’ 
  • Sun Exposure: full sun 
  • Soil Moisture: dry to average 
  • Bloom Time: summer 
  • Bloom Color: red/orange/yellow 
  • Foliage Color: green 
  • US Native: native selection 
  • Wildlife Benefit: pollinators 
  • Notes: deer tolerant, drought tolerant 
  • Image Credit: