Botanical Name: Asclepias tuberosa, yellow
Common Names: Butterfly Weed, Yellow Butterfly Weed
Asclepias tuberosa is a hardy, herbaceous perennial native to much of North America. It is prized for its bright yellow flower clusters that bloom in summer and attract butterflies, bees, and other pollinators—especially monarchs. Unlike many milkweeds, it has little to no milky sap and a tidy, upright growth habit. This drought-tolerant plant is well-suited for native plant gardens, pollinator habitats, and sunny borders. Mature plants typically reach 1–3 feet tall and 1–2 feet wide.
Care and Cultivation:
Prefers full sun
Water regularly during establishment, then sparingly
Thrives in well-draining, sandy or rocky soils
Excellent for native gardens, meadows, and pollinator plantings
Frost Tolerance and Cold Hardiness:
Best suited for USDA Zones 3–9
Fully cold-hardy; dies back to the ground in winter
Ideal growing temperatures: 65–90°F (18–32°C)
Winter Dormancy and Health:
Herbaceous perennial; goes dormant in winter
Cut back dead stems in late winter or early spring
Avoid excessive winter moisture
Returns vigorously in spring
Notes:
Essential host plant for monarch butterfly caterpillars
Bright yellow flowers provide strong seasonal color
Deer resistant once established
Low-maintenance and drought-tolerant
Botanical Name: Asclepias tuberosa, yellow
Common Names: Butterfly Weed, Yellow Butterfly Weed
Asclepias tuberosa is a hardy, herbaceous perennial native to much of North America. It is prized for its bright yellow flower clusters that bloom in summer and attract butterflies, bees, and other pollinators—especially monarchs. Unlike many milkweeds, it has little to no milky sap and a tidy, upright growth habit. This drought-tolerant plant is well-suited for native plant gardens, pollinator habitats, and sunny borders. Mature plants typically reach 1–3 feet tall and 1–2 feet wide.
Care and Cultivation:
Prefers full sun
Water regularly during establishment, then sparingly
Thrives in well-draining, sandy or rocky soils
Excellent for native gardens, meadows, and pollinator plantings
Frost Tolerance and Cold Hardiness:
Best suited for USDA Zones 3–9
Fully cold-hardy; dies back to the ground in winter
Ideal growing temperatures: 65–90°F (18–32°C)
Winter Dormancy and Health:
Herbaceous perennial; goes dormant in winter
Cut back dead stems in late winter or early spring
Avoid excessive winter moisture
Returns vigorously in spring
Notes:
Essential host plant for monarch butterfly caterpillars
Bright yellow flowers provide strong seasonal color
Deer resistant once established
Low-maintenance and drought-tolerant
