What they do
Provide nectar for a wide range of pollinators and leaves for monarch caterpillars.
Plant profile
Butterfly weeds
Genus Asclepias (upland spp.)
Butterfly weeds are upland milkweeds in the genus Asclepias—tough, sunny wildflowers that feed pollinators with nectar and support monarch caterpillars with their leaves.
Plant Type
Wildflowers (herbaceous perennials) > Butterfly weeds
Aliases
Butterfly weed
Native Range
Native to parts of North America (varies by upland Asclepias species).
Bloom window
Summer
OVERVIEW
About This Plant
Butterfly weeds (Genus Asclepias, upland species) are foundational, upright wildflowers vital to North American pollinator habitats. They fill the crucial functional role of providing dependable, nectar-rich flowers in mid-summer, attracting a wide mix of insects. Critically, their foliage is the sole food source for monarch butterfly caterpillars, making them essential for the monarch life cycle.
For best results, site these resilient plants where they receive plenty of sun and, most importantly, have excellent drainage. Because they are a necessary host plant, the most vital maintenance step is to avoid all pesticides to ensure a safe environment for monarch caterpillars and other foraging insects. Expect some natural insect activity—it means the plant is doing its job.
Best role for pollinators
Sunny gardens, schoolyard pollinator patches, and low-maintenance native plant beds where you want reliable summer nectar and a host plant for monarchs.
FAST FACTS
Quick Details
Essential stats and requirements for quick reference.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Butterfly weed |
| Bloom window | Summer |
| Typical height | Knee- to waist-high (varies by species and site) |
| Pollinators supported | Bees, Butterflies, Wasps, Flies, Beetles |
| Light & moisture | Sun; average to dry soil |
| Best roles for pollinators | Sunny gardens, schoolyard pollinator patches, and low-maintenance native plant beds where you want reliable summer nectar and a host plant for monarchs. |
SUMMARY
If You Remember Three Things
A quick scan of what they do, what they need, and the best first step.
What they need
Lots of sun, well-drained soil, and a little patience while roots establish.
One best action
Plant in a sunny, well-drained spot and skip pesticides so caterpillars and pollinators can use it safely.
IMPACT
Why Plant This?
Upland milkweeds help create practical habitat: they feed many pollinators with nectar and provide the specific leaves monarch caterpillars need. In a school or home garden, they’re a simple way to make a visible difference—one plant at a time.
Milkweed flowers are built like tiny “nectar stations,” and you’ll often see several kinds of insects feeding on the same cluster.
Key Impacts
What it Supports
- Milkweeds are well-known host plants for monarch caterpillars.
- The flower clusters offer easy access to nectar for many different insects.
- Upland types can fit into smaller gardens because they don’t require wet soil.
RECOGNITION
Identification Guide
Use these quick clues to recognize upland milkweeds in the garden.
Leaves
Simple leaves along upright stems; leaf shape and arrangement vary by upland Asclepias species. When damaged, many release a white, milky sap.
Flowers
Rounded clusters of small, star-shaped flowers. Colors vary by species, with orange being a common “butterfly weed” look.
Fruits
Elongated pods that mature and split to release seeds with silky fluff.
Gallery image
LOCATION
Where It Grows
Native environments and the best spots to place it in your landscape.
Habitats
- Open sunny areas
- Meadows and prairie-like plantings
- Dry to average roadside-style conditions (in garden settings)
Where it is often used
- Pollinator patch centerpiece
- Sunny border or native plant bed
- Schoolyard habitat garden
- Container planting (choose a smaller upland species and a deep pot)
SEASONALITY
When It Blooms
Notes on bloom windows and how this plant helps pollinators across the seasons.
Bloom window
Butterfly weeds shine when summer gardens are in full swing.
Bloom Season Role: Mid-season nectar source
Seasonal benefits
- Reliable nectar during warm-weather pollinator activity
- Pairs well with early and late bloomers for season-long support
REQUIREMENTS
What It Needs
The right mix of sun, soil, and space for healthy growth.
Sun exposure
Best in full sun; can handle a bit of shade but may bloom less.
Soil type
Well-drained soil is key. Many upland milkweeds tolerate lean or sandy soils once established.
Moisture needs
Water to establish, then let the soil dry slightly between waterings. Avoid constantly wet conditions.
Planting method
Plant in spring or early fall. Give each plant space and avoid disturbing roots once settled.
Mulching tips
Use a light mulch layer if needed, keeping it off the crown. Too much mulch can hold moisture and cause problems.
GARDENING GUIDE
How to Grow It
Simple steps to plant, prune, and maintain healthy trees without pesticides.
Planting tips
- Pick a sunny spot with good drainage (a slight slope or raised bed can help).
- Loosen soil and remove competing weeds in a small circle around the planting area.
- Plant at the same depth as the pot, firm soil gently, and water in well.
- Add a plant label so it isn’t mistaken for a weed during spring emergence.
- Keep the area lightly weeded while the plant establishes.
Seasonal care
- Water during long dry spells in the first season; after that, only as needed.
- Leave stems standing into late fall or winter if you can, then cut back in spring.
- Avoid heavy fertilizing; too much can reduce flowering and make plants floppy.
- If seedlings pop up where you don’t want them, move them when small or thin them.
What not to do
- Planting in a low spot that stays wet
- Spraying for “bugs” when leaves look chewed
- Digging and moving the plant after it settles in
- Cutting everything down too early in fall
Pairings
Best Pairings for Season-Long Bloom
Pairing ideas to keep pollinators fed throughout the growing season.
Early Bloom
- Spring-blooming native wildflowers
- Early-flowering shrubs (nearby, not shading the milkweed)
Mid-Season Bloom
- Coneflowers
- Black-eyed Susans
- Native grasses for structure
Late-Season Bloom
- Goldenrods
- Asters
- Late-blooming native wildflowers
Milkweed sap can irritate skin and eyes. Wear gloves if you’re sensitive, and wash hands after handling.
GLOSSARY
Key Terms
A few quick terms you might see when shopping for or planting milkweeds:
Glossary terms are being added.
What You Can Do
Make a difference for native habitats.
Turn this knowledge into action. Whether you plant a single pot or a whole garden, you are building a vital bridge for local biodiversity.
Join the movement to restore our shared habitats.