This 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 butterfly 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.
