Asclepias tuberosa (Native)

Non-native plants this species can replace:
Common Name
Butterfly milkweed
Common butterfly weed
Butterfly weed
Common butterfly-weed
Plant Form
Herbs
Duration
Perennial
Max Height (ft)
3.0
Width (ft)
1.0 - 1.5
Growth Rate
Slow
Region
Coastal
Piedmont
Mountain
Hardiness Zone
5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Commercially available
Yes
Rabbit resistant
Yes

Photographer: violetnettle
Licensed under: CC BY-NC 4.0
Original photo: Original photo

Photographer: Paul Z
Licensed under: CC BY-NC 4.0
Original photo: Original photo

Additional Info

Habitat: Dry woodlands, clearings, fields, pastures, and roadsides. Common throughout Virginia.

Wildlife Value: The flowers are a nectar source for many butterflies and insect pollinators. The plant is a larval host plant for monarch, gray hairstreak, queen, and milkweed tussock moth caterpillars.

Note:  Very long bloom time. Politely self-seeds. Aphids and milkweed bugs are normal and harmless. Pair it with other plants like native, ornamental grasses and wildflowers, such as asters and purple coneflowers, to a create a butterfly habitat. In a perennial border, pair it with torch lilies or with cooler blues and purples, such as speedwell plants. 

Poisonous to Humans

Poison Severity: Low
Poison Symptoms: Can cause stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, weakness, lethargy, and confusion if eaten in quantity. Sap can cause contact dermatitis and eye irritation.
Causes Contact Dermatitis: Yes

Flower Color
Orange
Flower Prominence
Conspicuous
Bloom Time
Spring
Early Summer
Late Summer
Bloom Month
June
July
August
September
Light Requirements
Full sun
Partial sun
Moisture Requirements
Moist
Dry
Soil Texture
Clay
Loamy
Sandy
Low Maintenance
Yes
Climate-smart plant
Yes
Deer Resitant
Yes
Pollinators
Bees
Butterfiles
Hummingbirds
Monarchs
Number of Lepidotera Species Genus Supports
12
Carniola Farms Nursery

Nursery operates Arlington Native Plants & Edibles located at 925 N. Madison St. Arlington Virginia 22205. Plants can be purchased at any time by making an email appointment at carniolafarms@gmail.com. Also, during the during the planting season, they are open some Saturdays from 11AM to 3PM. Check their website for datesThis plant list is from the beginning of the 2025 season and may be out-of-date

Beloved Brook's Ruckersville Nursery Inventory

Nursery is open by appointment only. Email them to set up a time. This plant list if from the begging of the 2025 season and may be outdated. If there is something specific that you’re looking for, they recommend you confirm that they have it when you schedule an appointment

Pots Available Plugs Available Pot size:
Yes Yes

Quart

View My Wishlist