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