All parts of the plant cause mild vomiting, spasms and weakness if ingested.
Native, herbaceous perennial growing in clumps of 1-3 feet tall.
Lanceolate, alternate leaves and hairy stem
Nectar source for many butterflies and other pollinators, as well as a larval host for the monarch (Danaus plexippus) and other butterflies and moths.
Large, capsule-like fruits encase seeds coated in a dense, silky hair-like material which helps them disperse in the wind.
Grows in most soil types and moisture contents, prefers full or partial sun.
Hardiness zones 3-9
Sentimental and Symbolic Value
Butterfly weed was regarded by the Aztec as being immortal, and was used in various home remedies intended to grant longevity as a result.
Due to its heavy association with the monarch butterfly, butterfly weed has gained a similar connotation to it as a symbol of immigrant rights. As the butterflies use these plants as "pit stops" during their migration, similarly do immigrants seek safe havens on their journeys. The view of the monarch and its associated plant in the immigrant rights community is one of representing "dignity and resilience", celebrating "beauty, pride and resilience in the face of inequality and injustice."
As the monarchs begin to leave the Southern US and Mexico by March, moving up to the Nothern and Eastern US by late spring and movng south again in late summer, their comings and goings and the plant's subsequent yearly evolution in response represent the changes of the seasons.
Specimen photographed at Mount Auburn Cemetery in Cambridge, Massachusetts
Plant History and Etymology
The genus name Asclepias is derived from the name of the Greek god of medicine, Asclepius, in reference to milkweeds' long history of medicinal uses. Tuberosa refers to the tuberous nature of its roots. Various Native people such as the Menomini, Omaha, Lakotah and Dakota tribes used it for various meditional purposes. They also harvested fibers from the stems to use in weaving, as well as for food and tea.
Design Considerations
Butterfly weed is an attractive and showy plant with very high wildlife value. Its showy flowers have a long bloom time, from May through August, and come in a variety of warm colors. In the fall, the seed pods open up to display the silky-haired seeds. It is highly sought after for its value to the monarch butterrly, and it makes a great choice for a pollinator garden or as an ornamental. It is also remarkably resistant to various challenges including drought, erosion, grazing by deer and rabbits, and salt. One major issue with it is that the root system is strong and deep, so transplanting it is difficult.
Sources
“Asclepias Tuberosa (Butterfly Milkweed, Butterfly Weed, Chieger Flower, Chiggerflower, Common Butterfly-Weed, Indian Paintbrush, Milkweed, Pleurisy Root) | North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox.” 2021. Ncsu.edu. 2021. https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/asclepias-tuberosa/.
Milkweed (Asclepias) — UIC Heritage Garden. 2014. “UIC Heritage Garden.” UIC Heritage Garden. 2014. http://heritagegarden.uic.edu/milkweed-asclepias.
Rodriguez, Favianna. “Migration is Beautiful: Artist’s Statement on Immigration Reform.” http://migrationisbeautiful.com/
“Butterfly Milkweed.” 2021. Fs.fed.us. 2021. https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/plant-of-the-week/asclepias_tuberosa.shtml.