Butterfly Milkweed

The 2017 Perennial Plant of the Year® & 1985 North Carolina Botanical Garden Wildflower of the Year, Asclepias tuberosa (Zones 3–9) is built for the summers in the Southeast. While other perennials flag in our July humidity, this 2' x 2' mound stays locked in. It’s a disciplined, clump-forming native—meaning it won't go rogue in your garden—making it a perfect structural choice for tight urban spaces, containers, or clean, modern borders.

Asclepias tuberosa serves as a reliable host for Monarch caterpillar larvae and a nectar hub for native bees. If you see your plants getting stripped of their leaves, don' panic—that’s the goal. They are biologically wired to handle it and will return from their deep, woody roots.

Performance & Site Care

 In the Southeast, A. tuberosa acts as a deep-soil anchor, making it a colorful choice for erosion control on dry, sandy slopes. Full sun and excellent drainage are the only two non-negotiables for this Drought-Proof Specialist. It thrives on neglect and actually prefers lean soil over rich soils or fertilizer. To maximize the visual and ecological impact, plant in odd-numbered clusters (3-5) near the border edge or in sweeping drifts of 7 or more to create a reliable target for migrating Monarchs.