Asclepias tuberosa
butterfly weed
A tuberous, hairy perennial with cymes of orange-red, sometimes orange or yellow flowers, from midsummer to early autumn, followed by fruit
Other common names
butterfly flowerbutterfly root
see morechieger flower
flux root
Indian paintbrush
Indian potato
pleurisy root
swallow root
tuber root
white root
wind root
windward root
orange root
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, AlkalineColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Orange Red Yellow | Green | Grey Silver | |
| Autumn | Orange Red Yellow | Green | Grey Silver | |
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Apocynaceae
- Native to the UK
- 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 simple, entire leaves and umbel-like clusters of small, distinctively shaped flowers followed by paired fruits containing seeds embedded in silky fibres
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- North America, Mexico
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow outdoors in fertile well-drained loamy soil in full sun. Attractive to bees and ideal for a border or wildflower garden
Propagation
Propagate by seed, propagate by division or root basal cuttings in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Sub-tropical
- Wildflower meadow
- Cut flowers
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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