Butterfly milkweed is a native wildflower commonly seen in prairies. The leaves on this perennial are long and narrow, which is a unique shape for most perennial flowers. The reddish buds on this plant open to orange flowers. Centers of the small orange flowers are yellow. Flowers grow in a cone shape and open to a star. The large orange flower clusters are known for attracting birds, and butterfly’s to landscapes. Since there are not of orange flowering perennials for zone 5, this plant is unique.
The flowers are relatively small in size and are bunched together to form a large flower cluster. Each flower extends from the stem of the perennial on a long trunk, giving the flower some height off of the plant. The center of the flower is yellow. Butterfly milkweed blooms in late summer and displays fragrant blooms through the end of summer. This perennial plant is drought resistant and does well in most types of soil. This flower is a low maintenance perennial since it doesn’t get too large.
If you are looking to create a butterfly garden, then it is necessary to incorporate a milkweed product into your design. Monarchs will not survive without milkweed. Caterpillars only eat milkweed plants, and butterflies need milkweed so that they can lay their eggs. Butterflies are also attracted to flowers that have large landing areas. Perennial plants with large flower clusters such as Sedum also work great in butterfly gardens.
Butterfly Milkweed
Asclepias Tuberosa
Plant Details
Flower Color- Orange
Folage Color- Green
Zone- 4-9
Height- 2′-3′
Spread- 18″-24″
Light- Sun
Details- Bright orange flower clusters. Attracts a wide variety of insects, butterfly’s and birds. Has a large tap-root that helps increase drought tolerance. Divide clumps every three years in the spring.
Other Butterfly Weed plant options.
- Cinderella Butterfly Weed