Plant of the Month
Butterfly-weed by Dave Dister
Few wildflowers are so vivid and uniquely colored as the orange-flowered butterfly-weed (Asclepias tuberosa). This orange milkweed is a bit of a contradiction within the milkweed family as it is the only species of milkweed that does not have milky sap, and it differs in having a large taproot instead of fibrous roots like other milkweeds.
Butterfly-weed occurs from Quebec southwest to Minnesota and thereafter to California, plus all states southward. As a native plant, it is perhaps a bit derogatory to call it a weed. This attractive perennial plant inhabits sunny dry habitats such as prairies, sandy fields, and roadsides. Upon close inspection the bizarre flower structure becomes evident. Each flower is composed of five petals, bent back, and five erect hoods shaped like sugar scoops, with slender horns arched toward the center. If you haven’t taken a close look with a magnifying lens, you are certainly missing a marvelous design in nature.
Butterfly-weed is so beloved that it is often seen in residential gardens and landscapes, and naturally is offered by many wildflower nurseries. Butterfly-weed grows to two feet or more in height and the hairy stems have numerous lance-shaped alternate leaves. The long-tapered seed pods are 3 to 6 inches in length and are upright. The mature pods contain many wafer-like seeds with silky hairs that act as “parachutes” as they are dispersed by the wind.
This striking wildflower is well-known as a great attractor of various butterflies and other insects that seek its nectar as a food source, while pollinating its flowers. Fritillary butterflies are especially frequent visitors, and butterfly-weed is the larval host for the famous Monarch butterfly. Hummingbirds are also attracted to this plant. In the Great Lakes area, butterfly-weed blooms primarily from June through August. Owing to its significant taproot, this plant is among the most drought-tolerant of any wildflower. A native plant that attracts butterflies and hummingbirds, is brilliant orange, not too tall, and won’t die for lack of watering, the butterfly-weed may just be the perfect flower for your yard!
Plant of the Month Archives
December 2008 - Witch Hazel
January 2009 - Winterberry
March 2009 - Desert Ironwood
April 2009 - Marsh Marigold
May 2009 - Serviceberry
June 2009 - Choke Cherry
July 2009 - Northern Bush Honeysuckle
August 2009 - Butterfly-weed