Butterflyweed (Asclepias tuberosa) is a seasonal interest plant with orange flowers in early summer, with continued sporadic blooms until early fall. They prefer dry to mesic soil in full sun where they grow to 2 feet tall. They are a good choice for dry banks. Butterflyweed is also a host plant for the Monarch butterfly. Companion plants include Prairie Dropseed (Sporobolus heterolepis) and Pale Purple Coneflower (Echinacea pallida).
Maintenance
Butterflyweed is attractive to aphids, which may cause aesthetic damage but should not severely impact the plant. To discourage spreading by seed, remove seed pods post-bloom. If desired, collect seed once the seed pod has begun to split open. Cut dead foliage back in late winter.
About
Light Requirements
Sun Moisture Requirements
Banks Soil Requirements
Loam,
Sand Height
Short Spacing
1 to 2 feet Category
Seasonal Attracts
Bees,
Butterflies,
Hummingbirds Illinois Native Plant Status
Illinois Native,
Indiana Native Bloom Time
June,
July,
August Bloom Color
Orange Seasonality
Summer Sociability
Groups of 5-10