Butterfly Milkweed

Butterfly Milkweed (also often called simply Butterfly Weed) is one of the few North American native perennials with orange flowers. Its deep green leaves, short stature, and interesting seed pods lend interest throughout the season. As a milkweed, this is one of the only hosts for monarch butterflies and will give their caterpillars something on which to feed. Slow growing and late to emerge in the spring, Butterfly Milkweed is long-lived and drought tolerant once established. Butterfly Milkweed will not persist for many years in moist spots, however, as it is adapted to dry environments.

• Towards the end of summer, milkweeds may get oleander aphids, small yellow insects which cover stems and flowers. They will not harm the plant and can be left alone or removed by hand.
• Similarly, bright orange Large Milkweed Bugs (Oncopeltus fasciatus) may visit and feed on your plants. This will not harm the plant.
• Milkweed seed pods can be easily collected, saved, and shared to propagate this powerful pollinator plant.