Close Butterfly Weed-II

Butterfly Weed-II
Common Name: Butterfly Weed-II
Scientific Name: Asclepias tuberosa
Other Name(s): Aka Butterfly Milkweed, Butterflyweed, Milkweed, Pleurisy Root, Orange Milkweed, Chiggerflower, Indian Paintbrush
Category: Herb/Forb
Habit: Herbaceous perennial
Bloom Color: Bright orange
Bloom Size: Features clusters (umbels) of flowers atop upright to reclining, hairy stems
Bloom Shape: Narrow, trumpet-shaped flowers
Bloom Season: Late spring throughout the summer
Fruit Description: Flowers give way to prominent, spindle-shaped seed pods (3-6 in. long) which split open when ripe releasing numerous silky-tailed seeds for dispersal by the wind. Seed pods are valued in dried flower arrangements
Foliage Description: Narrow, lance-shaped leaves
Height of Plant: 1-2 1/2 ft.
Spread of Plant: 1-1 1/2 ft.
Growth Rate: Dry to medium
Hardiness: USDA Zones 3 - 9
Light Requirements: Full sun
Water Usage: Dry to medium
Moisture Requirement(s): Prefers well-drained sandy soils. Tolerates drought
Soil Type: Plant in well-drained sand, loam, clay, or limestone
Soil pH: Adaptable
Native Range: Eastern and Southern United States
Usage: Good cut flowers, strong color, long-living. Medicinal uses of root for bronchitis, attracts butterflies, hummingbirds
Propagation: Root cuttings. Plants are easily grown from seed, but are somewhat slow to establish and may take 2-3 years to produce flowers
Maintenance: Low
Photographer: Susan Brown
Location: N-11