Asclepias tuberosa Native Milkweed

Asclepias tuberosa, commonly known as Butterfly Weed, is a perennial wildflower known for its bright orange to yellow flowers and its role in supporting pollinators, particularly butterflies. This plant is a member of the milkweed family (Apocynaceae) and is notable for its clump-forming habit, drought tolerance, and vibrant blooms that attract various pollinators, especially monarch butterflies.

Plant Characteristics:

- Flower Color: Bright orange to yellow clusters

- Foliage: Narrow, lance-shaped green leaves

- Growth Habit: Clump-forming with upright stems

Native Range:

Asclepias tuberosa is native to North America, particularly the eastern and southern United States. It is commonly found in prairies, open woods, and along roadsides.

USDA Hardiness Zones:

- Best suited for zones 3-9.

Height and Width:

- Height: 1-3 feet (30-90 cm)

- Width: 1-2 feet (30-60 cm)

Light Requirements:

- Thrives in full sun, which promotes the best flowering and growth. It can tolerate partial shade but may result in fewer blooms.

Soil Requirements:

- Prefers well-draining, sandy or rocky soils but can tolerate poor soil conditions. It is particularly suited to dry, nutrient-poor soils where many other plants may struggle.

- Avoid overly rich or heavy clay soils that retain too much moisture.

Watering:

- Drought-tolerant once established. Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. After establishment, it requires minimal watering.

- Water only during extended dry periods, as too much moisture can lead to root rot.

Temperature and Humidity:

- Tolerates a wide range of temperatures but performs best in regions with hot summers.

- It is well adapted to dry conditions and does not require high humidity levels.

Fertilization:

- Generally does not require fertilization if planted in the ground. Over-fertilization can lead to leggy growth and reduced flowering.

- If grown in containers or in very poor soil, a light application of a balanced fertilizer in spring can be beneficial.

Pruning and Maintenance:

- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage additional blooms and prevent unwanted self-seeding.

- Cut back dead stems in late fall or early spring to tidy up the plant and make room for new growth.

Propagation:

- Can be propagated from seeds or by division. Seed germination can be slow and may benefit from cold stratification (exposing seeds to cold temperatures) to improve germination rates.

- Established plants can be divided in early spring, although this is generally not necessary.

 Uses

- Pollinator Gardens: Ideal for attracting butterflies, bees, and other pollinators. Asclepias tuberosa is a host plant for monarch butterfly caterpillars, making it a crucial addition to butterfly gardens.

- Wildflower Meadows: Perfect for naturalized areas, prairies, and wildflower meadows due to its hardiness and ability to thrive in poor soils.

- Borders and Beds: Adds vibrant color and texture to perennial borders and garden beds, especially in sunny, dry locations.

- Erosion Control: Can be used for erosion control on slopes and in areas with sandy or rocky soils.

By planting Asclepias tuberosa, gardeners can enjoy a beautiful, low-maintenance perennial that supports local wildlife and adds a burst of color to any sunny garden spot.

---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. (Walnut)  

California: Castanea spp. (Chestnut), Juglans spp. (Walnut), Pinus spp. (Pine), Quercus spp. (Oak)  

Colorado: Some counties restrict Prunus spp. (Cherry, Peach, Plum). Please verify your local county regulations.  

Florida: Castanea spp. (Chestnut), Cornus spp. (Dogwood), Quercus spp. (Oak), Cornus mas (Cornelian Cherry)  

Georgia: Vaccinium spp. (Blueberry, American Cranberry)  

Hawaii: Pinus spp. (Pine)  

Idaho: Humulus lupulus (Hops), Mentha spp. (Mint), Vitis spp. (Grape)  

Indiana: Fragraria spp. (Strawberry), Rosa spp. (Rose)  

Kansas: Juglans spp. (Walnut)  

Michigan: Abies spp. (Fir), Vaccinium spp. (Blueberry, American Cranberry, Lingonberry)  

Montana: Pinus spp. (Pine)  

Nevada: Allium spp. (Chives, Flowering Onion), Mentha spp. (Mint)  

New Jersey: Rosa spp. (Rose)  

New York: Vitis spp. (Grape)  

Oregon: Allium spp. (Chives, Flowering Onion), Castanea spp. (Chestnut), Corylus spp. (Hazelnut), Humulus lupulus (Hops), Quercus spp. (Oak), Sambucus nigra (European Elderberry), Ulmus spp. (Elm), Vaccinium spp. (Blueberry, American Cranberry), Vitis spp. (Grape)  

Texas: Juglans spp. (Walnut)  

Washington: Allium spp. (Chives, Flowering Onion), Castanea spp. (Chestnut), Corylus spp. (Hazelnut), Humulus lupulus (Hops), Vaccinium spp. (Blueberry, American Cranberry, Lingonberry), Vitis spp. (Grape)  

Wisconsin: Abies spp. (Fir), Pinus spp. (Pine), Picea spp. (Spruce), Mentha spp. (Mint)  

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.