Plant · GBIF taxon 3170305
butterfly milkweed
Asclepias tuberosaAlso known as Butterfly Weed, Pleurisy Root, Orange Milkweed, Chigger Flower
Bright orange flower clusters bloom atop erect stems throughout midsummer, drawing a constant stream of swallowtails, monarchs, and native bees. Unlike most other milkweeds, its stems produce a clear sap rather than milky white latex, and its rough hairy leaves help conserve moisture in dry prairie soils. Deep tuberous taproots allow established plants to survive severe droughts and frequent grassland fires.
PerennialPollinator MagnetDrought Tolerant
1 / 7—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Autotrophic (Photosynthesis)
Predators
- Monarch Caterpillar
- Milkweed Leaf Beetle
- Large Milkweed Bug
ThreatsHabitat destruction, herbicide application, and frequent mowing of roadsides
HabitatsDry prairies, open woodlands, sand dunes, fields, and roadside verges
Life span15 to 20+ years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyApocynaceae
- SpeciesAsclepias tuberosa
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskHigh
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is high
- All plant parts contain toxic glycosides and sap may irritate skin; observe and enjoy without picking.
- Why it is dangerous
- Contains toxic cardiac glycosides that cause gastrointestinal distress and heart rhythm changes if eaten, particularly in pets and livestock.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Look for flat clusters of vivid orange-to-yellow flowers, hairy stems with clear sap, and alternate narrow leaves.
- What to do
- Do not consume any part of the plant, wash hands after handling, and keep pets from chewing leaves.
Responsible observation
- Garden Planting: Position in full sun and well-drained sandy or gravelly soil to avoid root rot.
- Pollinator Viewing: Visit during warm midday sun when nectar flow peaks and butterfly activity is highest.
- Propagation Advice: Avoid disturbing mature taproots; sow fresh seeds outdoors in fall for winter stratification.
Larval Host Sid Mosdell from New Zealand / CC BY 2.0 · cc-by
Close Relative (c) Randy Nonenmacher, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
Close Relative (c) aarongunnar, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by aarongunnar · cc-by
Close Relative Close Relative
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