Butterflyweed is a long-lived herbaceous perennial in the milkweed family (Apocynaceae, formerly Asclepidaceae) that is endemic to much of North America excluding the northwest, from eastern Canada south to Florida, west to the Dakotas down to Colorado, and southwest, save Nevada, into California. Asclepias tuberosa is found in prairies and meadows, open woods, along roads and other open areas in zones 3-9. Other common names include butterfly milkweed, orange milkweed, pleurisy root, and chigger flower.
This bushy perennial forms a clump 11/2 to 3 feet tall and broad with an abundance of dark green foliage on several upright to ascending stems from a huge taproot. Native Americans employed its rough, woody, knobby root, which can grow several feet deep, for medicinal purposes. The alternate lanceolate to oblong leaves are often clustered together on the sturdy, hairy stalks that range in color from green to dull reddish-purple. Each leaf is sessile or has a very short petiole, pointed at the end and toothed on the margins, and can be up to 6 inches long. The upper side is smooth and shiny, while the underside is delicately hairy, especially along the veins, and lighter in color. This species, unlike most members of the milkweed family, does not have milky sap. Before the stems die back to the ground for the winter, the leaves develop a dismal yellow color. It’s better to avoid cutting back the leaves in the fall and instead wait until April. Late in the spring, plants are hesitant to emerge.
From late spring to summer, large, flat to slightly dome-shaped umbels (clusters) of up to 25 bright orange star-shaped blooms appear at the ends of hairy flowering stems or in upper leaf axils. Each 3/8-inch-wide fleshy flower features five reflexed petals (corolla) and a five-parted crown (corona) with five curved horns sprouting from hoods arching over a short white to light green column in the middle.
There are yellow or red cultivars (such as ‘Hello Yellow’ and ‘Gay Butterflies’) as well as naturally occurring populations, all of which have a yellow central column. Each cluster measures 2-5 inches in diameter and provides a great landing spot for butterflies. Below the petals are five hairy, light green sepals that are hidden when the flowers open. The flowers are particularly attractive to hummingbirds and many insects, not just butterflies, and can also be used as cut flowers because they produce vast amounts of nectar. A month after deadheading, a second flush of flowers may appear.
Flowers that have been successfully cross-pollinated are followed by prominent, upright, slender, spindle-shaped seed pods with short hairs (the fruit is a follicle). When ripe, the 3-6 inch long grayish-green pods split open, releasing hundreds of flattened, brown seeds, each with a narrow wing along the margins and a tuft of long, silky hairs (a pappus) at one end that aids in wind dissemination. If plants are allowed to go to seed, butterflyweed may self-seed in the landscape; remove the pods before they split open to prevent self-seeding. Dried floral arrangements can be made using the seed pods.
This eye-catching plant is ideal for home gardens, prairies, native plantings, naturalizing, rain gardens, and butterfly gardens. They can be used in mass plantings or as an accent in the sunny border with other mid-sized perennials. The vibrant orange color stands out, especially when combined with blue or purple flowers, yet it can be difficult to blend into some environments. In a mixed garden, butterfly weed can be used with blue morning glories, globe thistle (Echinops spp. ), Penstemon digitalis ‘Husker Red,’ or purple speedwells (Veronica spicata or hybrids).
In a meadow or prairie, it pairs nicely with yellow coreopsis (Coreopsis verticillata), purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea), goldenrod (Solidago spp. ), blazing star (Liatris spp. ), black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) and R.fulgida, as well as grasses like small bluestem (Schizachyrium scopa Because it is a larval host plant for several butterflies, including the monarch (Danaus plexippus) and the related Queen butterfly (Danaus gilippus, which is found primarily in Central America and the southern United States but occasionally strays into the Midwest), you may want to place it in the landscape where it will not be an eyesore if it is eaten ragged by caterpillars.
To bloom, this plant need full sun. Butterflyweed grows on practically any type of soil, including gravel and clay, as long as it is well-drained, despite its preference for sandy soil. Once established, it is drought tolerant. Although deer avoid this plant, it is quite likely to be plagued with aphids, most commonly the brilliant yellow oleander aphid with black legs (an introduced species native to the Mediterranean but almost cosmopolitan in distribution now). These insects will not harm the plant in large quantities, and they are frequently devoured by lady beetles or other predators. Insecticidal soap can be used to control large populations, or the insects can be knocked off the plant using a strong stream of water. Plants may be eaten by rabbits.
This species is easy to cultivate from seed, however root cuttings can also be used to reproduce it. In the fall, cut the taproot into 2-inch portions and plant vertically. Plants bloom in 2-3 years from seed and do not transplant well because to their deep taproot. Sow after the last frost in the fall, in a cold frame in the early spring, or start inside with bottom heat in late winter (8-10 weeks before typical last frost) after 1 month wet stratification to transplant outside later. When seedlings are grown in 3-4 inch deep containers, especially with separate cells, the roots can grow deeper and seedlings can be moved more easily without harming the roots.
How often do you water a butterfly weed?
Keep the soil moist until the plant has established itself and has begun to show fresh growth. Water sparingly as needed after that, as butterfly weed prefers dry soil. Every spring, trim the old growth to keep them looking neat and healthy.
During the blooming season, mealybugs and aphids can be a nuisance, but both can be readily handled with regular applications of insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.
How long does it take for butterfly weed to bloom?
Butterfly Weed is a North American herbaceous perennial. It blooms for up to two months in the summer, with a typical blooming period of June to August.
This flower, which grows naturally in prairies and grasslands, is a vital plant for wildlife.
The major pollinators are bees, but it also serves as a home for a variety of butterflies.
Monarch Butterflies lay their eggs on this species of the Asclepias genus (milkweed).
Butterfly Weed Lifespan
Butterfly Weed is a long-lived perennial that thrives in a variety of soil conditions. Butterfly Milkweed bloomed for the first time this year in good soil. This, however, is not normal.
Butterfly Weed will blossom in its second year after being grown from seed.
Butterfly Weed should reach full size in the third or fourth year.
Butterfly Weed Growth Cycle
Butterfly Weed has a perennial life cycle. It will bloom in late Spring, much later than the majority of other plants. It will quickly grow to a height of 1-2 and bloom for about a month in early summer. Seed pods will appear in late summer or early autumn. The pods will ripen, open, and disseminate their seed before dying back to the ground.
Butterfly Weed Stalk
Stalks will grow to be 12-30 tall, with branching in the upper half where flowering takes place. When mature, many stems will emerge from a central root crown. The stem has a dark-purple tint to it and is covered in fine hairs.
Butterfly Weed Leaf Identification
On the stalk, the Butterfly Weed leaves are alternating and measure about 3 long by 1/2 wide with smooth margins. Veins run through most leaves, with the central vein being the most conspicuous. It’s very typical for your Butterfly Weed leaves to curl upward lengthwise.
Butterfly Weed leaves are stunning on their own. They’re dark green in the middle and slightly yellow on the edges. The upper surface is usually smooth and hairless, with a lustrous or waxy appearance.
The leaves’ undersides are a lighter shade of green, creating a pretty beautiful color shift.
Butterfly Weed leaves turning yellow
In most cases, the leaves are dark green on top and light green underneath. The margins are frequently golden in color. This has happened to me before, and I’ve found it to be perfectly normal. Butterfly Weed leaves (especially lower leaves) become yellow as the season progresses.
It could imply a few things if you notice the full leaf turning yellow before Autumn.
A nutritional deficit or an excessive amount of water. Alternatively, many native plants’ lower leaves become yellow and fall off when they lose sunlight.
If you’re concerned, top-dressing the plant with compost is the safest option.
Any nutritional deficits that the plant may be facing can be remedied by applying a 1-2 thick ring of compost around it.
If that doesn’t get rid of the yellow leaves, think about
Butterfly Weed Flower
Butterfly Weed blooms are made up of clusters (umbels) of 10-30 individual orange flowers, each measuring 1-3 inches in diameter. They resemble milkweed flowers, with five petals, sepals, and hoods with horns.
Butterfly Weed Blooming Season
Butterfly Weed blooms can last up to eight weeks, beginning in June and ending in August. However, in late August/September, you may be treated to extra blossoming.
Butterfly Weed seed pods
Butterfly Weed pods will open in early autumn, and the plant will go to seed. Butterfly Weed produces pods that are 2-4 inches long and 1/2 inch broad after the blossoms have faded. The seeds are contained in these pods, which begin maturing in late summer to early fall.
When fully ripe, these pods will open and disperse seeds carried by the wind on a feather.
Seeds have the ability to spread far and wide, colonizing disturbed, bare terrain.
Does butterfly weed go dormant?
Sun-loving Asclepias (Milkweed) plants are important perennials for monarch butterflies because they provide food for larvae and nectar for adult monarchs. They bloom from mid-summer to early-fall and are resistant to rabbits and deer because to their milky sap.
For plant care, Asclepias tuberosa with orange (occasionally yellow) blooms and all other species with pink (sometimes white) flowers can be split into two groups.
- Orange Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa) – This perennial, especially when cultivated in containers, stays dormant until later in the spring than many other plants. Planting dormant plants is OK; do not repot them for planting later in the season.
- Soils that are sandy or gravelly are required (except the Clay form which does well in heavier soils including dry clay.)
- After their second growing season, they just need to be watered deeply but infrequently. Plant in direct sunlight.
- It only takes a few handfuls of compost and Yum Yum Mix to fill the planting hole. Planting in a rich, substantially modified soil is not a good idea.
- When planting dormant plants, water thoroughly after planting and then wait until the plant begins to develop actively, at which point a deep soaking once a week or so is sufficient. Young transplants should not be overwatered.
- Asclepias has a long, carrot-like tap root that should not be separated and should be left alone after planting.
- These are moist-loving perennials that thrive in moist to moderately moist soil.
- Asclepias syriaca and A. speciosa will expand to form large patches of plants, thus they should be planted in areas where they won’t force out less vigorous species. It’s not a good idea to use it in the most prominent areas in your perennial beds.
- Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) is a more refined grower that is good in perennial beds.
Milkweeds don’t always develop much in their first year in the ground, so be patient. They’re building their root and crown systems. The plants will begin to grow larger and more vigorous by the second growing season. Asclepias species are unusual perennials that don’t behave like most other perennials. As a result, be patient and accept their peculiarities.
- Use Yum Yum Mix and Planters II to fertilize Asclepias only once in the fall. Additional fertilizer is not required for naturalized plantings.
- Leave the stems intact over the winter to enable re-seeding and provide winter interest with their attractive seed pods. Remove old stems just above ground level in mid-spring.
- Because all Asclepias species emerge late in the spring, don’t be alarmed if other perennials sprout first and they stay dormant.
Will butterfly weed flower first year?
Butterfly weed blooms readily the first year after seeding, but there are a few crucial elements to remember if you want to grow it professionally. This species displays some of the most extreme photoperiod reactions we’ve ever seen. It’s an obligatory long-day plant, which means it has to flower during long days.
Will butterfly weed rebloom if deadheaded?
The dead blooms are removed, which hinders seed production and stimulates the butterfly weed to grow additional flowers. If you want attractive seed pods on your plants in the fall and early winter, stop deadheading in late summer.
Does butterfly weed have a tap root?
AMES, Iowa AMES, Iowa When the weather is frigid outside, it’s the ideal time to start thinking about spring plants. Butterfly weed, a lovely, low-maintenance perennial, should be included in your designs if you want to add significant beauty and value to your lawn. Specific growing processes should be followed for maximum development and beauty.
Horticulturists from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach offer advice on how to deal with butterfly weed.
What would be a good planting site for butterfly weed?
The milkweed family includes the butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa). From July to September, the plants grow two to three feet tall and produce flat-topped clusters of bright orange blooms. The common name comes from the fact that their blossoms attract a variety of butterfly species.
Butterfly weed is a low-maintenance, long-lived perennial that is easy to grow. It thrives in direct sunlight. Plants need at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. Plants thrive in a variety of soils. However, proper soil drainage is essential. The butterfly weed has good heat and drought tolerance once established. Transplanting the butterfly weed is difficult because of its extensive taproot. Choose a planting location with care and don’t disrupt it. In addition, the butterfly weed emerges gradually in the spring. Mark the planting spot and don’t cultivate in the area until the plant emerges to avoid harm.
While most butterfly weeds have bright orange flowers, the ‘Gay Butterflies’ variety contains a few plants with yellow or red flowers. Yellow blooms characterize the cultivar ‘Hello Yellow.’
Can the butterfly weed be divided?
The taproot of the butterfly weed is quite lengthy. Division is difficult and not recommended because to the lengthy taproot. Seeds are the most prevalent method of propagation for butterfly weed.
How do I germinate butterfly weed seeds?
When the seed pods of butterfly weed begin to split, harvest them. In the late fall, seeds can be sown immediately outdoors or begun indoors.
In early to mid-November, build up the soil in a protected spot before spreading seeds outside. Cover the seeds with about 1/4 inch of dirt after scattering them over the prepared seed bed. Seed germination is aided by the cold, damp conditions of winter. In the spring, seedlings should sprout. When the seedlings are three to four inches tall, carefully move them to their permanent places.
Fill a flat with commercial germination material to start seeds inside. The medium should be moistened. Scatter the seeds on the germination medium’s surface and lightly push them into the substance. Add another 1/4 inch of germination mix on top of the seeds. Moisten the additional material with care. Place the bundled flat in the refrigerator after sliding it into a plastic bag. Refrigerate the flat for a period of four to six weeks. Remove the flat from the refrigerator after four to six weeks and set it in a room with a temperature of 70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
In three to four weeks, the seeds should start to germinate. (If no seedlings emerge after four weeks, refrigerate the flat for another four to six weeks and continue the process.) As soon as seedlings appear, remove the flat from the plastic bag and place it under fluorescent lights in a 60 to 65 degree Fahrenheit environment. When the seedlings are one to two inches tall, transplant them into individual pots. Continue to develop the seedlings indoors for a few more weeks under fluorescent lights.
Place the seedlings in a dark, protected spot outside before planting, then gradually expose the seedlings to greater periods of direct sun. After the seedlings have been hardened off for 10 to 14 days outside, plant them in their permanent positions.
How do I grow Asclepias tuberosa?
- Start seeds inside 2 months before the last frost; cold stratification in the refrigerator is essential.
- Seeds should be started in a cup of water. Make use of a seed mat that has been heated. There is no need for cold stratification.
Why is my butterfly weed not blooming?
Milkweed species have varied growth tactics, so it all relies on which one you have. Milkweed, in general, does not flower in its first year of growth since it is concentrating its efforts on developing a strong root system. Milkweed may not flower if there is too much nitrogen in the soil, so don’t fertilize it. Finally, if the plant is stressed, such as by drought or severe heat, milkweed may not blossom. Fortunately, monarch butterflies will deposit their eggs on milkweed even if it isn’t in bloom. Because the caterpillars consume the plant’s leaves, your milkweed can still serve as a host plant even if it doesn’t have flowers. Milkweed can also expand by its root system (depending on the species), thus even if it doesn’t flower or go to seed, the plant can spread that way.