Butterfly Weed
asclepias tuberosa
Also known as: ["Butterfly Milkweed","Chiggerflower","Butterfly Plant","Chamomile Milkweed","Pleurisy Root"]
Overview
A hardy perennial native to North America, known for its bright orange flowers that attract butterflies and its medicinal uses.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","drought tolerant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Gentianales |
| Family: | Apocynaceae |
| Genus: | Asclepias |
| Botanical Name: | Asclepias tuberosa |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden bed in full sun, or container with excellent drainage
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if grown in very dry indoor conditions
- Drainage: Fast-draining.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, sandy loam with organic matter. Avoid heavy clay soils.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically after flowering or in late winter/early spring.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning as it may reduce flowering.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily). Tolerates partial shade but blooms best in full sun.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually if moving from shade to sun; protect from intense midday heat in hot climates; ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun
Rotate pots for even growth; use reflective surfaces to boost light in shaded areas; avoid sudden light changes.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently to encourage deep root growth; allow soil to dry between waterings; avoid overwatering, especially in winter.
Soil
well-draining, sandy or loamy soil with low fertility
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.0).
Use raised beds in heavy soils; amend with sand or grit; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
Temperature
Prefers 65–85°F (18–29°C). Tolerates heat but may go dormant in extreme cold. Hardy in USDA zones 3–9.
Protect from frost; ensure good air circulation in heat; adjust watering with temperature changes.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer, none in fall and winter
Fertilize once a year in spring; dilute liquid fertilizer to half strength if used; avoid fertilizing in winter.
Propagation
Methods
Seed propagation is most reliable. Stem cuttings are possible but less common.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Sow seeds just below the surface.
- Keep moist.
- Transplant when seedlings are established. For cuttings, take 4–6 inch stems, dip in hormone, plant in medium, and maintain humidity.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm (70–75°F), high humidity (70–80%), and bright indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining seed starting mix or cactus mix with perlite.
Hormone
Not typically required for seeds; rooting hormone may help with cuttings.
Timeline
Seeds may take 3–6 weeks to germinate; cuttings root in 4–8 weeks.
Tools Needed
Seed trays, pots, well-draining mix, rooting hormone (optional), misting bottle.
Quick Tips
Scarify seeds for faster germination; use bottom heat for seeds; maintain humidity for cuttings.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Deadhead spent flowers; trim back leggy stems; remove any dead or diseased growth.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning needed. Focus on removing dead or damaged stems and spent flowers to encourage reblooming.
Tools
Pruning shears, gloves, clean cutting tools.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune dead/damaged growth; deadhead spent flowers; shape lightly if needed.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches if repotting is necessary.
Method
Use a well-draining mix; handle the taproot carefully; avoid frequent repotting to prevent root disturbance.
Suggestions
Generally not required due to taproot system. Container-grown plants may need repotting every 2–3 years if root-bound.
Checklist
Use fresh soil mix; ensure good drainage; handle roots gently; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust frequency seasonally.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone. Apply until water drains from the bottom, then stop to prevent waterlogging. Water in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal risk.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once every 1–2 weeks during active growth, reducing frequency in winter to once a month or less. Adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture retention.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure soil is not compacted.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Yellowing leaves or stunted growth in cold; wilting or leaf drop in excessive heat.
Cold Stress
Slows growth and may cause root damage in prolonged freezing temperatures without protection.
Solution: Mulch heavily in winter; avoid planting in frost pockets; use frost cloth in extreme cold.
Hot Stress
Leaves may wilt, curl, or drop; flowering may be reduced in prolonged heat.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade in extreme heat; water deeply but infrequently; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; apply in spring; avoid over-fertilization; skip winter feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers. Apply sparingly, as Asclepias is not heavy feeder.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicCats are highly sensitive to the cardiac glycosides in Asclepias tuberosa. Ingestion can lead to severe cardiac and neurological effects, requiring prompt veterinary intervention.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicThe cardiac glycosides in Asclepias tuberosa are toxic to dogs, causing significant disruption to heart rhythm and electrolyte balance. Symptoms can range from mild gastrointestinal upset to severe cardiac issues.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicAsclepias tuberosa contains cardiac glycosides, which can disrupt heart function and electrolyte balance. Ingestion can lead to severe physiological effects, particularly affecting the cardiovascular and nervous systems.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Butterfly Weed toxic to pets?
A: It is mildly toxic to dogs and cats if ingested.
Q: Does Butterfly Weed require much care?
A: It is low maintenance once established, though it needs well-drained soil and full sun.
Q: Why are the leaves of my Butterfly Weed turning yellow?
A: Yellow leaves can indicate overwatering, poor drainage, or nutrient deficiencies.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Apocynaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
Get Expert Care Tips
Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!
Google Play App Store
