Butterfly Weed
Asclepias tuberosa
Varieties We Bring In
Last received Jul 19, 2026.
We bring this in seasonally, so what is on the lot changes week to week. A received date shows when it last came in, not that it is here today.
Call (904) 471-0440 to confirm this plant and size before you make the trip.
About Butterfly Weed
Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa) is a native North American milkweed perennial with clusters of vivid orange to yellow-orange flowers atop branching stems, beloved by pollinators and an essential larval host plant for Monarch butterflies. Unlike most milkweeds it has a non-milky sap and grows from a deep, drought-resistant taproot. It is one of the showiest and most wildlife-valuable native perennials for sunny garden settings. Starting at $4.95.
Plant details
- Bloom Season
- Spring, Summer
- Flower Color
- Yellow, Orange
- Growth Rate
- Moderate
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Soil
- Sandy, Well-drained
Best planting months
Seasonal care
New foliage emerges. Good planting window.
Bloom season. Handles summer heat well once established.
Bloom season. Foliage may begin to change or drop.
Dormant — drops foliage.
Care essentials
Plant in full sun — at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. In NE Florida's intense summer heat, a site with morning sun and very brief midday respite is acceptable, but deep shade will reduce flowering significantly.
Extremely drought tolerant once established due to its deep taproot. Water weekly for the first 6 weeks after planting, then reduce to rainfall only. Avoid clay or poorly drained sites, which will rot the taproot.
Thrives in dry, sandy, infertile soils — conditions typical of NE Florida landscapes. Do not amend with organic matter or fertilize; rich soils promote lush growth at the expense of flowers and shorten the plant's lifespan.
Similar needs
Baby's Breath
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, low water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Beardtongue
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, low water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Black Eyed Susan
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, low water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Blanket Flower
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, low water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Calamint
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, low water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Carolina Wild Petunia
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, low water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
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Common questions
Is Butterfly Weed a good plant for St. Augustine?
Butterfly Weed is a perennial for Zone 9b coastal Florida gardens, reaching 2-3 feet × 2-3 feet.
Care information verified from
Last reviewed February 2026. Our care guidance comes from trusted horticulture sources and decades of helping St. Augustine gardeners. Conditions here can vary dramatically from one area to the next, so come ask us and we'll tailor it to your yard.