Asclepias tub gay butterflies


Cressler, Alan

Asclepias tuberosa

Asclepias tuberosa L.

Butterflyweed, Butterfly Weed, Butterfly Milkweed, Orange Milkweed, Pleurisy Root, Chigger Flower, Chiggerweed

Asclepiadaceae (Milkweed Family)

Synonym(s):

USDA Symbol: astu

USDA Native Status: L48(N), CAN (N)

This bushy, 1 1/ ft. perennial is prized for its large, flat-topped clusters of bright-orange flowers. The leaves are mostly alternate, 1 1/ 1/4 inches prolonged, pointed, and smooth on the edge. The yellow-orange to bright orange plant clusters, inches across, are at the top of the flowering stem. The abundance of stiff, lance-shaped foliage provides a dark-green backdrop for the showy flower heads.

This showy plant is frequently grown from seed in home gardens. Its brilliant flowers attract butterflies. Because its tough root was chewed by the Indians as a cure for pleurisy and other pulmonary ailments, Butterfly Weed was given its other frequent name, Pleurisy Root. Although it is sometimes called Orange Milkweed, this species has no milky sap.

 

Plant Characteristics

Duration:Perennial
Habi

Asclepiastuberosa Gay Butterflies Group

butterfly weed Gay Butterflies Group

A herbaceous perennial with upright stems of narrow green leaves. Clusters of showy, waxy yellow, golden orange, pink or red flowers are produced from mid to late summer. An excellent food source for butterflies

Ultimate height
–1 metres

Time to ultimate height
2–5 years

Ultimate spread
– metres

Moisture
Well–drained

pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Yellow Orange Red Pink Leafy
Autumn Yellow Orange Red Pink Green
Winter
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Sheltered

Hardiness
H4

Botanical details

Family
Apocynaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Potentially harmful
Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Genus

Asclepias can be evergreen or deciduous perennials or subshrubs, with basic , entire leaves and umbel-like clusters of small, distinctively shaped flowers followed by p

butterflies *

Plants possess a remarkable array of extraordinary attributes that contribute significantly to both ecological health and landscape design. Those that act as wildlife attractants, providing food and shelter, are crucial for supporting biodiversity. In regions prone to dry spells, drought-tolerant plants offer a sustainable solution, conserving precious water resources.

Meanwhile, deer-resistant varieties allow gardeners to cultivate beautiful spaces without a constant threat of damage. In roadside areas, salt-tolerant plants thrive, stablizing soil and adding greenery. For vision interest, plants with exfoliating bark provide unique textures that append to its winter interest.

Above all, native plants play a vital role, perfectly adapted to local conditions and fostering intricate relationship with native wildlife. These attributes, combined, verb us to create landscapes that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also ecologically sound, promoting sustainability and enchriching our environment.

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Asclepias tuberosa ‘Gay Butterflies’

COMMON NAME: ‘Gay Butterflies’ Butterfly Weed

GARDEN SIZE: inches tall x inches wide

GROWTH RATE: Slow

USDA ZONE:

EXPOSURE: Full Sun

WATER & SOIL: Well-drained average or sandy soil. Lower than average water needs.

HABIT (FORM): Upright, Clumping

FOLIAGE: Deciduous; Light Green

FLOWERS: Orange, yellow, or red; Blooms mid to tardy summer

FRUIT: Seed pods

PLANT ORIGIN: Native to Tennessee

WILDLIFE SUPPORT: Sole host plant for the monarch butterfly. Feeds native bees, moths, and butterflies. Attracts beneficial insects and hummingbirds.

FERTILIZING: Give a root stimulant or fertilizer during initial planting, then feed lightly in sdelayed winter or early spring with compost or an organic fertilizer. Never leverage pesticides.

PRUNING: Cut back to just above soil level in early spring. Abandon the seedheads in place over the fall and winter to support wildlife.

TOXICITY FLAGS: Toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Not considered edible for humans. The white latex sap can also irritate the skin and eyes if touched. The white sdelayed