Utah State University

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Asclepias tuberosa

Common Name      Butterfly Weed

Family       Asclepiadaceae (Milkweed family)

 

Description
Roundeded-upright perennial to three feet, leaves lanceolate to 3 inches on stems that terminate in and thick cluster of bright orange flowers.

Range
Found from upper great plains into Texas and west into southern Utah.

Culture
Prefers a well drained soil, full sun.

Value
Very showy when in bloom until early-mid summer, after which there is not much to see, although the thickly tufted seeds, being part of the milkweed family, can be attractive. Its drought tolerance is an asset.

Propagation
This one is easy. Sow seed in container and cover to depth. Germination takes place from 10 to 20 days. These plants will not bloom the first year and have slow top growth as they form their tuberous root system.


 

 

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A thing is right when it tends to preserve the integrity, stability and beauty of the biotic community. It is wrong when it tends otherwise.

        Aldo Leopold