Butterfly Weed (Tuberosa)

Butterfly weed is an upright, clump-forming North American perennial with vivid orange flower clusters above narrow green leaves. Its deep taproot helps an established plant handle dry spells, and its flowers and foliage support several butterflies. ## Landscape Use Plant it in a sunny border, native planting, meadow, or pollinator garden, alone or in groups. The flowers are usually orange, though the species also includes yellow and red forms. Monarch, Queen, and soldier caterpillars use butterfly weed as a host plant, while the flowers also draw hummingbirds and other pollinators ([UF/IFAS](https://ask.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/FP050)). ## Siting and Seasonal Interest Give it full sun or light partial shade and well-drained soil; sandy or otherwise lean ground is suitable. Flowering is concentrated in summer, with local calendars varying by climate. Plants commonly reach about 2–3 feet tall and wide, although published measurements vary by region and growing conditions ([North Carolina Extension](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/asclepias-tuberosa/common-name/common-butterfly-lily/)). ## Maintenance Water new plants while they establish, then allow the soil to dry between waterings. The deep taproot makes established plants drought tolerant but also makes transplanting difficult, so choose the site carefully. Remove seed pods before they split if you want to limit self-sowing; leave them for natural reseeding and winter seed interest.