Order Now · Ships Spring 2026
Asclepias tuberosa (butterfly weed)
Asclepias tuberosa (butterfly weed)
Native milkweed · Vivid orange flowers · Supports monarch butterflies · Thrives in sunny, well-drained gardens
📦 Shipping is charged at real carrier rates.We don’t mark up shipping—costs reflect distance from our nursery and careful plant packing.
🌱 6-plant minimum per order — mix & match any varieties
📦 Ships in a 2⅜” square x 3¾” deep band pot — well-rooted & ready to plant
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Butterfly weed is one of the most showy and widely loved native milkweeds. In early summer, sturdy stems are topped with vivid orange flower clusters that stand out clearly in perennial borders, native gardens, and meadow plantings.
Like all milkweeds, it is an essential plant for monarch butterflies—serving as a critical nectar source for adults and the sole food source for monarch caterpillars. Unlike most milkweeds, butterfly weed does not exude a milky sap, making it easier to work with in the garden.
This species prefers well-drained soil and performs best in sunny locations. It is drought tolerant once established but does not tolerate wet or poorly drained conditions. After flowering, long seed pods form, which are excellent for dried arrangements and winter interest. Butterfly weed has also been used traditionally as a medicinal herb.
Once established, it develops a deep taproot and does not like to be moved—making it a long-term, low-maintenance addition when planted in the right place.
WHY GARDENERS LOVE IT
- Bright orange flowers in early summer
- Essential host plant for monarch butterflies
- Excellent nectar source for pollinators
- No milky sap
- Native, drought-tolerant perennial
- Decorative seed pods for drying
HOW IT GROWS
- Plant type: Herbaceous perennial
- Sun: Full sun
- Soil: Well-drained soil
- Water: Moderate; drought tolerant once established
- Hardiness: USDA Zones 3–9
- Growth habit: Upright, clumping
SIZE & BLOOM
- Height × Width: ~2 ft. × 1.5 ft.
- Flower color: Bright orange
- Bloom time: Early summer
- Seed pods: Long, decorative pods
- Wildlife: Monarch butterflies, bees, pollinators
PLANTING TIPS
- Choose a sunny location with excellent drainage
- Avoid heavy or wet soils
- Plant where it can remain undisturbed
- Water regularly during the first growing season
CARE MADE EASY
- Very low maintenance once established
- Do not overwater
- Leave seed pods for winter interest or harvest for drying
- Cut back stems in late fall or early spring
BEST USES
- Monarch butterfly gardens
- Pollinator gardens
- Native plant landscapes
- Prairie and meadow plantings
- Dried flower arrangements
HOW TO KNOW IT’S RIGHT FOR YOU
Choose Butterfly Weed if you:
- Want to support monarch butterflies
- Love bold orange flowers
- Garden in full sun
- Prefer native, drought-tolerant plants
- Want a long-lived perennial in well-drained soil
POT SIZE: 2⅜” square x 3¾” deep band pot
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What to Expect With Your Plants
What size plants will I receive?
Most plants ship in 2 3/8” x 3 3/4” band pots—ideal for healthy root growth.
Top growth varies by variety and season, but every plant arrives well-rooted, actively growing, and ready to plant.
Grown naturally without artificial heat or lights, our plants are hardy, adaptable, and ready to thrive in real garden conditions.
When will my plants ship?
We schedule plant orders based on your area’s average last frost date and when each plant is truly ready to ship. You’ll receive an email with your estimated ship date once your order is scheduled.
Orders ship Monday–Wednesday via UPS or USPS (2–3 day service), so your plants arrive before the weekend and spend less time in transit. Shipping begins in spring—usually mid-April—when weather and plant health align, so your plants arrive strong, well-rooted, and ready to thrive.
Do you guarantee your plants?
We stand behind our plants and our packing process. While we can't control weather or how plants are cared for after arrival, we do guarantee that your plants will arrive healthy and in good condition. If there's an issue, just reach out and we're happy to help.
Are your plants inspected for plant health and disease?
Yes. Our nursery is inspected at least twice each year by the Oregon Department of Agriculture and meets state plant health and disease standards.
Why does shipping cost what it does for live plants?
Shipping live plants requires careful packaging, seasonal timing, and fast transit to ensure they arrive healthy.
Our shipping rates are calculated in real time based on box size, weight, and destination, and we always select the best available option for safe, timely delivery.
We never inflate shipping costs — you pay what it costs us to ship your order safely.
Have more questions?
We want you to feel good about your plant order. Find answers about shipping, sizing, care, and guarantees in our full FAQ.