Butterfly weed

Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa) is a species of milkweed native to eastern North America. It is commonly known as butterfly weed because of the butterflies that are attracted to the plant by its color and its copious production of nectar. It is not a true weed, but is a type of herbaceous perennial plant.

Description

Butterfly weed is a perennial plant with clustered orange or yellow flowers from early summer to early autumn. It commonly grows to about 1–3 feet (0.30–0.91 m) tall, with a thin, vertical growth habit. The leaves are spirally arranged, lanceolate, 5–12 cm long, and 2–3 cm broad. The flowers are clustered at the top of the plant in a showy, bright orange to yellow bloom that attracts many species of butterflies and insects.

Habitat and Distribution

Butterfly weed is native to eastern North America and is found from southern Canada to northern Mexico. It is commonly found in dry, sandy, or rocky soils and is often seen in open fields, prairies, and roadsides. It is highly resistant to drought, making it a popular choice for xeriscaping.

Cultivation and Uses

Butterfly weed is often grown in gardens for its ability to attract butterflies and other beneficial insects. It is also used in traditional medicine, particularly by Native American tribes such as the Cherokee and the Iroquois. The plant's roots were used to treat pulmonary and other respiratory conditions, hence its other common name, pleurisy root.

Conservation Status

While butterfly weed is not currently considered threatened or endangered, its habitat is being lost to development and agriculture. Conservation efforts are focused on preserving its habitat and promoting its use in butterfly and pollinator gardens.

See Also

• Milkweed
• Monarch Butterfly
• Native Plants of North America
• Xeriscaping

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