Butterfly Weed
True to its name, Butterfly Weed is known for its ability to attract butterflies. The flower is a source of nectar for butterflies while Monarch butterfly larvae use the leaves of this plant as a food source.
Plant Description
True to its name, Butterfly Weed is known for its ability to attract butterflies. The flower is a source of nectar for butterflies while Monarch butterfly larvae use the leaves of this plant as a food source. This perennial grows in 1-3’ clumps that features bright orange to yellow-orange on its stems from late spring through the summer. Prominent seed pods, often three to six inches long, replace the flowers. These seed pods are often used in flower arrangements.
Light Needs:
Full sun
Watering Needs:
Do not over water, likes drier soil
Average Landscape Size:
Growth Height: 1’-2’6”
Growth Width: 1’-1’6”
Key Feature:
Flowers and their nectar attract both butterflies and hummingbirds
Blooms:
June-August
Landscape Uses:
Butterfly gardens, meadows, prairies and sunny borders
Plant Type:
Perennial
Evergreen/Deciduous:
Deciduous
Foliage Colour:
Green
Flower Colour:
Bright orange to yellow orange flowers
Blooms:
June-August
Climate Zones:
3-9
Average Size:
1’-2’6”H X 1’-1’6”W
Growth Rate:
Initially slow, medium when established
Instructions:
Butterfly Weed is easy to grow and easy to maintain. This plant does not transplant well because it has a deep taproot but will self-seed through the seed pods it produces. It is easy to grown the plants from seed but growth is initially slow. It may take the plants two to three years before they bloom the first time. Butterfly week likes full sun and drier soil.
Water:Full sun
Sunlight:Do not over water, likes drier soil
Special Uses
- Attracts Birds
- Attracts Butterflies
" Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler. "
Albert Einstein
