Overview
Asclepias tuberosa is a bushy perennial in the genus Asclepias, part of the Apocynaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.8 m tall. Asclepias tuberosa grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include wildflower meadow, cut flowers and flower borders and beds. It is native to Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana and Iowa.
About
Asclepias tuberosa, commonly known as butterfly weed or pleurisy root, is a species of milkweed native to eastern and southwestern 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.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Asclepias tuberosa
About the genus
Asclepias is a genus of herbaceous, perennial, flowering plants known as milkweeds, named for their latex, a milky substance containing cardiac glycosides termed cardenolides, exuded where cells are damaged. Most species are toxic to humans and many other species, primarily due to the presence of cardenolides. However, as with many such plants, some species feed upon milkweed leaves or the nectar from their flowers.
Wikipedia contributors, "Asclepias", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Asclepias
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Asclepias
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Asclepias tuberosa size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.8 m
- Suggested uses
- Wildflower meadow, Cut flowers, Flower borders and beds
- Native to
- Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa
- Toxicity
- Toxic if ingested
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Asclepias tuberosa
- Cultivation
- Prefers well-drained soil and full sun; drought tolerant once established; avoid overwatering.
- Pruning
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms; cut back in late winter or early spring to promote healthy growth.
- Propagation
- Seed, Division, Root basal cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Asclepias tuberosa?
Prefers well-drained soil and full sun; drought tolerant once established; avoid overwatering.
Where is the best place to plant Asclepias tuberosa?
Asclepias tuberosa prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Asclepias tuberosa need?
Asclepias tuberosa grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
How do I prune Asclepias tuberosa?
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms; cut back in late winter or early spring to promote healthy growth.
How big does Asclepias tuberosa grow?
Asclepias tuberosa reaches a height of 0.8 m.
Is Asclepias tuberosa hardy in the UK?
Asclepias tuberosa has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
How do I propagate Asclepias tuberosa?
Seed, Division, Root basal cuttings.
Is Asclepias tuberosa toxic?
Toxic if ingested.
