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Butterfly Milkweed

Asclepias tuberos

Butterfly weed is a perennial milkweed that grows 2’-3’ tall. Clusters of golden-orange
blooms appear from spring through frost. The plant is very drought-tolerant and long-
lived, growing bushier with age. It is a host and nectar plant for monarch butterflies.

Planting Sites: It prefers sandy soils but also grows in well-drained loam, clay, or limestone soils in part or full sun. It
blooms better in full sun.

Planting Instructions: Dig the hole slightly larger than, but the same depth, as the nursery container. Carefully remove
plant from container and gently loosen any compacted or circling roots round the root ball. Plant at the same depth as
the soil in the container. Add 2-3 inches of mulch

Watering Instructions: Water well after planting, using a root stimulator mixed according to directions. To promote
deep roots that will withstand drought, water deeply whenever the soil has dried to a depth of an inch or two. Do not
overwater.

Comments: New growth will generally have yellow aphids that won’t hurt the plant. Aphids can be controlled by
spraying with a strong stream of water. Do not use pesticides because they can also kill butterflies and larvae. These
plants have deep taproots that make them difficult to transplant, but they grow readily from seed.

Planting and care instructions provided by the Lindheimer Chapters of the Native Plant Society of Texas