Asclepias tuberosa

Asclepias tuberosa is a species of milkweed native to eastern North America. It is commonly known as butterfly weed because of the butterflies that are attracted to the plant by its color and its copious production of nectar. It is not a preferred food source for the Monarch butterfly, but the plant has similar enough characteristics to the Monarch's preferred diet to serve as a decoy to predators.

Description

Asclepias tuberosa is a perennial plant growing to 0.3–1 meter (1 ft 0 in–3 ft 3 in) tall, with clustered orange or yellow flowers from early summer to early fall. The leaves are spirally arranged, lanceolate, 5–12 cm long, and 2–3 cm broad. The flowers are hermaphrodite, produced in clusters of up to 25 at the top of the stem, each flower 1–2 cm diameter, with five reflexed orange or yellow petals and a central crown of erect, hooded forms.

Distribution and habitat

Asclepias tuberosa is native to eastern North America, and it is most commonly found in fields, open woods, and roadsides. It prefers dry, sand or gravel soil, but has also been reported on stream margins. It requires full sun.

Uses

Ascleaipas tuberosa has been used in traditional medicine, as a source of tough fibers, and for food. The plant is a larval host plant for several species of butterflies and a nectar source for many other species. It is also used in butterfly gardening.

Cultivation

Asclepias tuberosa is a popular ornamental plant for butterfly gardens and landscapes. It is grown from seed, which can be started indoors or sown directly in the garden. It is also propagated from cuttings and division.

Conservation

Asclepias tuberosa is not currently considered threatened or endangered. However, like many native plants, it is facing habitat loss due to development and agriculture.

See also

• Asclepias
• Milkweed
• Monarch butterfly

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