Butterfly Weed - (Asclepias tuberosa)

Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa) – Orange Milkweed

Butterfly Weed, often called Orange Milkweed, is a tough perennial that only reaches about 2 feet tall, making it an excellent choice for borders and small garden spaces. Its deep taproot gives it incredible resistance to drought, though it also makes mature plants difficult to transplant. Once established, this species can live for many years, bringing lasting color and pollinator activity to a garden.

In the wild, A. tuberosa has declined sharply across Arkansas. Habitat loss has hit it hardest in rich mesic prairies such as the Grand Prairie, the Arkansas Valley, and the lower Ouachita hills. Farmland conversion, genetic contamination from non-local seed sources, inbreeding from isolation, and poaching have all contributed to its decline. Despite these pressures, the plant remains remarkably hardy and can even recover well from disturbances like tilling and mowing. 

In the garden

Its striking orange blooms pair especially well with blue-flowering species like Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) and Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa). For those looking to create Diana Fritillary (Argynnis diana) habitat, don’t stop at violets for host plants; combine them with Ouachita/Ozark savanna species like A. tuberosa, Monarda fistulosa, Pycnanthemum tenuifolium, and Echinacea pallida. Diana Fritillary is also a nectar specialist only feeding on about 10 main species

Unlike most milkweeds, A. tuberosa produces very little of the white, milky latex sap. Its reduced sap content and fuzzy foliage make it unusual among the Asclepias and influence its insect associations. Aphids (especially Oleander Aphids) almost always appear, but established plants shrug them off. If needed, a light dish-soap-and-water spray can knock them back, but be aware it will kill all soft-bodied insects, not just pests, and washes away with the next rain.

All of our native plants are grown in 3.5” x 3.5” x 5” deep pots, the perfect size for developing strong root systems. Each plant is carefully grown until its roots reach the bottom of the pot, ensuring they are healthy, well-established, and ready to thrive in your landscape.

Plants are available for local pickup only at our nursery. Once you place your order through our shop, you’ll be able to select a convenient date and time to pick up your plants. Each plant comes with a tag that includes both the common and scientific name for easy identification.

Please note: some native species naturally go dormant or appear rough at certain times of the year. These plants are still healthy and viable, and we only offer stock that meets our quality standards.