Tennessee Smart Yards Native Plants
A comprehensive database of Tennessee native plants
Butterfly Weed
 Photo Courtesy of Katie Walberg  Photo Courtesy of Katie Walberg  Photo Courtesy of Katie Walberg  Photo Courtesy of Katie Walberg  Butterfly Weed is a host plant of the Monarch Butterflie’s Larva. Photo Courtesy of Katie Walberg |
Butterfly WeedAsclepias tuberosaFull to part sun, medium to dry moisture level, prefers a fertile well-drained sandy loam, moderately acid to neutral pH. 1-2 ft. height, blooms in summer, orange flowers, slow re-seeder.Germination Code: C(30)Native Region: StatewideOne of the showiest native wildflowers. Colorful, hardy, long-lived and carefree. Slow to emerge in spring. Has a deep tap root and resents disturbance. Blooms for 8 to 10 weeks or more. Should only be planted on upland sites because does not do well in poorly drained soils. Some seed companies offer an uncommon strain called a “clay buster” which is native to clay soils. Attracts butterflies and bees, particularly a Monarch butterfly magnet.flower;sun;medium;loam |
Tennessee Smart Yards Native Plants 
I love this little flower, it is doing very well in my garden that gets periodic wet and dry spells and moderate sun. :) Oh, and the soil is heavy on the clay.
One of my favorite flowers. So beautiful with a long bloom window.
We love our butterfly weed, wish it was easier to transplant. Make sure to get small transplants, and keep an eye on them until they look well established.
I have this ringing the base of a stone patio, and I love how it grows. I have heavy clay and tons of sun, and the plant thrives. I was concerned to find it covered with milkweed bugs, and I did try to discourage them, but while some of the plants suffered, I had plenty of blooms. Putting out many more seeds for this next summer.
There really is nothing more striking than its blaze of orange! I have had little success in transplanting, but will have to try seeding, next!