Asclepias tuberosa Native Forest Milkweed

Plant name: Native Forest Milkweed

Scientific name: Asclepias tuberosa

Plant description:
Asclepias tuberosa, commonly known as Native Forest Milkweed or Butterfly Weed, is a long-lived herbaceous perennial valued for its vivid flower color and importance to pollinators. Unlike many milkweed species, it forms a clump of upright stems rather than spreading aggressively. Its deep taproot allows it to withstand dry conditions once established. This species plays a critical role as a host plant for monarch butterfly larvae and as a nectar source for a wide range of beneficial insects.

Flower description:
Flat-topped clusters of bright orange to orange-red flowers appear in late spring through summer. Each cluster is composed of many small star-shaped blooms rich in nectar. Flowers are highly attractive to butterflies, bees, and other pollinators and are followed by narrow seed pods that split open to release silky-tufted seeds.

Leaf description:
Leaves are narrow, lance-shaped, and medium green with a slightly rough texture. They are arranged alternately along upright stems. Unlike some milkweed species, the foliage does not exude as much milky sap when cut.

Deciduous or evergreen:
Deciduous perennial

USDA grow zones:
USDA Zones 3–9

Mature height and width:
Typically 1–3 feet tall and 1–2 feet wide, forming a tidy, upright clump

Landscape uses:
Ideal for native plant gardens, pollinator plantings, meadow-style landscapes, and sunny borders. Works well in mass plantings and pairs effectively with ornamental grasses and other drought-tolerant perennials. Frequently included in butterfly gardens due to its role as a monarch host plant.

Native range:
Widespread across much of the eastern and central United States

Sun exposure:
Full sun is required for strong stems and abundant flowering. Reduced sunlight can result in fewer blooms and weaker growth.

Water requirements:
Moderate water during establishment. Once established, it is drought tolerant and performs best in well-drained soil. Avoid heavy, poorly drained sites, particularly in winter.

Pests and problems:
May attract aphids, milkweed bugs, or caterpillars, which are often part of the plant’s ecological function. Root rot can occur in poorly drained soils. Plants may be slow to emerge in spring due to their deep root system.

Heat and sun tolerance:
Excellent tolerance of heat and direct sun. Maintains performance during hot summer conditions when planted in well-drained soil.

Cold tolerance:
Hardy to USDA Zone 3. Top growth dies back after frost, with regrowth emerging from the root system in spring.

Growing tips:
Plant in a location with sharp drainage and avoid disturbing the deep taproot once established. Do not overwater, as excessive moisture can reduce longevity. Allow seed pods to mature if natural reseeding is desired. Cut back stems in late winter or early spring before new growth appears. Patience is important during the first growing season, as plants focus on root development before reaching full flowering potential.

---SHIPPING NOTICE PLEASE READ BEFORE PURCHASING LIVE PLANTS!---

 We WILL NOT refund the purchase of or the shipping cost of live plants purchased with the intent to be shipped to states that do not authorize importing live plants or to states with restrictions! Purchases to these states will be held for 30 days for pick-up at our Slidell, Louisiana store and the shipping cost associated with these purchases will be held for the care of the plant while waiting to be picked up. All sales are final. If the plant(s) purchased are not picked up within 30 days from the date of order, these items will be returned to our sales inventory and you WILL NOT be refunded. Thank you for understanding these policies.

Due to regulations, certain states have restrictions on importing plants. Please review the list below to ensure you're not attempting to order any restricted plants in your area.

**Important Note:** We do not ship any plants outside the U.S.

State-Specific Restrictions - We ARE NOT responsible for any plant(s) that are not listed in these restrictions. Purchaser bears all responsibility for making sure the plant(s) they desire to purchase are not banned from being imported to the shipping state:

Arizona: Juglans spp.  

California: Castanea spp., Juglans spp., Pinus spp., Quercus spp.  

Colorado: Some counties restrict Prunus spp. Please verify your local county regulations.  

Florida: Castanea spp., Cornus spp., Quercus spp., Cornus mas 

Georgia: Vaccinium spp.

Hawaii: Pinus spp. 

Idaho: Humulus lupulus, Mentha spp., Vitis spp.

Indiana: Fragraria spp., Rosa spp. 

Kansas: Juglans spp.

Michigan: Abies spp., Vaccinium spp.

Montana: Pinus spp.

Nevada: Allium spp.

Mentha spp. 

New Jersey: Rosa spp.  

New York: Vitis spp.  

Oregon: Allium spp., Castanea spp., Corylus spp., Humulus lupulus, Quercus spp., Sambucus nigra, Ulmus spp., Vaccinium spp., Vitis spp.

Texas: Juglans spp. 

Washington: Allium spp., Castanea spp., Corylus spp., Humulus lupulus, Vaccinium spp., Vitis spp.  

Wisconsin: Abies spp., Pinus spp., Picea spp., Mentha spp. 

Additionally, we cannot ship plants in soil medium to the following states: AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, HI, ID, KS, MS, MT, ND, NM, NV, OK, OR, SD, TX, UT, WA.