Common butterfly weed native to the central parts of the continent makes a striking long blooming perennial in our gardens. To 2′ tall flat cymes of brilliant orange flowers appear in July and re-bloom until frost. Emerges late – not until May and then rockets out of the ground and almost immediately commences blooming. Fantastic plant for all pollinators. Remarkably showy perennial for very well drained soil- try a slope and deep but infrequent irrigation or add a few handfuls of pumice to the planting hole. Mine thrives in the heat and rigors of my hellstrip. completely deciduous in winter.- its good to remember where you planted it. Butterflies, Oh the god damned butterflies.
Asclepias tuberosa
Family: Asclepiadaceae Genus: Asclepias
Plant type: Herbaceous perennial
Biomes/Growing conditions: Deer Resistance, Hot Aspects, Low Water/No Water, Oregon Coast
Sun exposure: Full Sun, Part Shade
USDA Hardiness zone: Zn4a -25º to -30ºF
Foliage color: Mid Green
Foliage season: Winter Deciduous