Asclepias tuberosa, commonly known as Butterfly Weed, is a native perennial wildflower found in prairies, meadows, and open, well-drained areas throughout Illinois. It thrives in dry, sandy, or loamy soils and prefers full sun.
This striking plant features clusters of bright orange, tubular flowers that bloom in mid to late summer. The flowers are highly attractive to pollinators, particularly butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds, making it an essential plant for pollinator gardens. The plant typically reaches a height of 1 to 2.5 feet and has narrow, lance-shaped leaves that are green and slightly rough to the touch.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Asclepias tuberosa is an excellent choice for prairie restorations, butterfly gardens, and naturalized landscapes. It provides vibrant color throughout the summer and supports pollinators, especially the iconic monarch butterfly, which relies on milkweed species like Asclepias tuberosa for larval food. This plant is also drought-tolerant and requires little maintenance once established.
Asclepias tuberosa, commonly known as Butterfly Weed, is a native perennial wildflower found in prairies, meadows, and open, well-drained areas throughout Illinois. It thrives in dry, sandy, or loamy soils and prefers full sun.
This striking plant features clusters of bright orange, tubular flowers that bloom in mid to late summer. The flowers are highly attractive to pollinators, particularly butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds, making it an essential plant for pollinator gardens. The plant typically reaches a height of 1 to 2.5 feet and has narrow, lance-shaped leaves that are green and slightly rough to the touch.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Asclepias tuberosa is an excellent choice for prairie restorations, butterfly gardens, and naturalized landscapes. It provides vibrant color throughout the summer and supports pollinators, especially the iconic monarch butterfly, which relies on milkweed species like Asclepias tuberosa for larval food. This plant is also drought-tolerant and requires little maintenance once established.
Bloom time: early to mid-summer
Habitats: abandoned sandy fields; areas along railroads; cemetery prairies; hill prairies; open rocky woodlands; roadside embankments; sandy savannas; shale and sandstone glades; upland sand prairies
Lifespan: perennial
Moisture: mesic to dry
Plant type (height): forb (1 to 2.5 feet)
Requirements: full sun
Soil: acidic soil that is rocky or sandy
