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Photos are representative and may not match your specific variety.
Butterfly Weed
Native wildflower
Native wildflowerAsclepias tuberosa
- Partial sun
- Zones 3–9
- 365 days to maturity
- Flowers
- 12" spacing
- Low water
- Perennial
- pH 6–7.5
Overview
Attracts butterflies and bees. Grows well in arid soils. Also known as milkweed, butterfly weed, butterfly milkweed, and butterfly-weed. Medicinal: Roots are a respiratory expectorant and diaphoretic. Perennial in Zones 4-9.
Planting
Direct sow in fall or cold stratify seeds for spring planting. Start indoors 6-10 weeks before last frost.
Growing
Sun: partial. Water: low. Soil pH: 6–7.5. Space plants 12" apart. Germination: 14-28.
Pests & diseases
Common pests: Aphids (beneficial as they don't seriously harm plant and attract predators), milkweed bugs. Common diseases: Rarely affected by diseases in well-drained soils.