Butterfly Weed
Asclepias tuberosa
Pickup currently unavailable at Aiken Nursery
Butterfly weed is the orange star of the summer meadow, a strong-growing native perennial of eastern North America and a longtime favorite of gardeners. Flower color ranges from clear yellow to nearly red, but the typical Asclepias tuberosa blazes a vivid orange that butterflies, and the eye, find from across the garden.
Unlike the other milkweeds, butterfly weed carries no milky sap and grows from a deep taproot that loves heat, sun, and sharp drainage, shrugging off drought once settled. The flowers feed monarchs and a parade of other butterflies and bees, and the foliage is a monarch host. Cut spent flowers back to spur a longer season and to limit the long pods that split open to loose their parachute seeds on the wind. The deep root resents disturbance, so site once and leave the plant in place.
Plant butterfly weed in full sun in well-drained, even lean or sandy soil, in a meadow, a pollinator border, or a dry sunny bank, where the orange heads can sing against blues and purples. Deer-resistant, drought tolerant, and long-lived, native across much of the United States.
- Hardiness
- USDA Zones 4–9
- Sun
- Full Sun
- Soil
- Well-drained
- Mature size
- Height 12–24 Inches · Spread 12–18 Inches
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Seasonality
- Dies back
Bright orange flower clusters (sometimes yellow to red), late spring to summer
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is shared for traditional and educational interest only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional before any medicinal use.
- Contains cardiac glycosides, toxic in high doses
- Not recommended in pregnancy or nursing
- May interact with heart medications; consult a professional before use
From rooting to shipping, our top priority is ensuring you receive healthy, thriving plants for your garden’s success.
Because most of our plants are grown from rooted cuttings — alongside seed, air layering, and grafting chosen for each variety — you receive a stronger, true-to-type plant that establishes quickly in your garden.
Raised on organic soil blends and eco-friendly pest management — never harsh chemicals — your plant arrives healthy for your garden, your family, and the pollinators they feed.
Every purchase gives back. We donate to the Aiken Arboretum and support local wildlife conservation, so growing your garden helps protect the wider ecosystem too.
All our plant material is carefully propagated, grown, and nurtured at our humble nursery in Aiken, South Carolina.
Your plant arrives carefully packed and ready to settle in. Unpack them promptly, give them a day or two to acclimate, then plant following the notes we include — that’s all it takes. Clear care guidance comes with every order, so success is the easy part.
What to expect upon delivery
All our plants are sold in 1-gallon sizes, though the height of each plant can vary depending on its growth rate and seasonality, typically ranging from 1/2 to 2.5 feet.
Each plant is carefully packaged with its roots enclosed in a secure plastic bag containing moist soil, forming a compact root ball. To ensure safe transport, the box is padded with recycled newspaper, providing both stability and eco-friendly protection from weather during shipping.
What is your return policy?
Review our full return policy information on our SHIPPING AND RETURNS POLICY page.
What payment methods can I use?
We offer 35 different payment methods including major providers like Mastercard, Visa, PayPal, American Express and Diners as well as many different local payment methods including Klarna, iDEAL, AliPay, Sofort, giropay, and many more.
Can I make changes to my order after it’s been placed?
At Woodlanders, we strive to fulfill orders as quickly as possible. Therefore, we can only accommodate changes to your order within the first 24 hours after it has been placed. These changes include adding or removing products and modifying the delivery address. If you need to make any changes or if there has been a mistake with your order information, please reach out to us promptly via our CONTACT page with your order number for the quickest resolution.
Your satisfaction is our priority, and we appreciate your understanding and cooperation.