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Asclepias tuberosa * Butterfly Weed |
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Butterfly Weed is a
half hardy perennial, sometimes it comes back from the roots. The Asclepias
tuberosa flowers are ornate yellow and gold. The orange
portions are reflexed, or bent back, sepals. The real reason most
people plant Asclepias tuberosa is the Monarch Butterflies that come to feed on the leaves. The
Monarch Butterfly will incorporate some of the toxins in the leaves into their bodies.
This makes them
taste bad. Bad enough that the Scrub Jays leave them alone. People often buy
chrysalis' to get the butterflies started in their own yards. I have found
Asclepias tuberosa plants
perform best with moderate water in light shade. Several other plants carry the
butterfly name in their common names, Buddleia
and Clerodendrum ugandense. A similar looking
species the, Gulf Fritillary Butterfly, is attracted to the passion flower
vines but that does not have the toxin. The birds leave it alone just
the same. Asclepias tuberosa is a frequent addition to the butterfly
garden and is likely the most frequently available Asclepias.
High resolution images
of Asclepias tuberosa are available.
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