SafePlants

Asclepias tuberosa: Butterfly Milkweed

Asclepias tuberosa, commonly known as Butterfly Milkweed, is a vibrant perennial native to eastern North America. It's also known as Butterfly Weed, Orange Milkweed, Pleurisy Root, Canada Root, and Chieger Flower. Some catalogs may refer to it as butterfly plant or butterfly flower.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Asclepias tuberosa
• Family: Asclepiadaceae (Milkweed family)
• Common Names: Butterfly Weed, Butterfly Milkweed, Orange Milkweed, Pleurisy Root, Canada Root, Chieger Flower, Orange Butterfly Weed

Considerations for Pets

• While it's called "milkweed," this particular species is noted for not having milky sap.
• The text mentions that the milky sap from other *Asclepias* plants is considered toxic if ingested.

Considerations for Children

• The text mentions that the milky sap from *Asclepias* plants is considered toxic if ingested.

Distribution and Habitat

Butterfly Milkweed is native to eastern North America and is commonly found in open areas, particularly prairies or remnants of prairies within the Tallgrass Prairie region. It's a Mississippi native perennial.

Ecological Role

• Asclepias tuberosa is an essential host plant for Monarch butterfly caterpillars, as Monarchs cannot survive without milkweed. The caterpillars exclusively eat milkweed plants.
• It also serves as an important nectar plant for Monarch butterflies and attracts a variety of other butterflies.
• The plant relies on Lepidoptera (butterflies and moths) and Hymenoptera (bees, ants, etc.) for pollination.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Butterfly Milkweed is a herbaceous perennial plant typically growing to a height of 1-3 feet.
• It is tuberous-rooted and has brilliant orange flowers that bloom in flat-topped clusters.
• The seeds have a tuft of long silky hairs attached to one end, aiding in seed dispersal.

Traditional Uses

Historically, the Omahas and Poncas ate the raw root of the butterfly milkweed for bronchial and pulmonary troubles.

Quirky Facts

• While orange is the typical flower color, the variety 'Gay Butterflies' may have red, orange, or yellow blooms.
• The seed pods are ornamental and similar to those of the common milkweed (A. syriaca).

Further Information

For more information, you can explore resources such as:

• Dave's Garden
• Monarch Watch
• Monarch Joint Venture
• Monarch Butterfly Jney North
• Ontario Wildflowers