Asclepias tuberosa ssp. interior

Butterfly milkweed

A North American native, butterfly milkweed prefers fast-draining, gritty soil and exposure to full sun. 

This fragrant beauty has a deep-reaching tap root that should not be disturbed, otherwise this is a no-fuss plant that requires very little aftercare and is deer-resistant.  

All Asclepias emerge much later than most plants so don't worry if it hasn't appeared in early spring.  

As the common name suggests it's wonderful for attracting butterflies and moths. 

The clusters of bright orange flowers are produced in profusion from mid-summer to early autumn and lend a little of the tropics to the border.  

Flowers give way to prominent, spindle-shaped seed pods (7-15cm long) which split open when ripe releasing numerous silky-tailed seeds for dispersal by the wind. 

To achieve a bushy look, pinch back young stems. 

Drought tolerant once established.