Identifying Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa) and Growing from Seed Pods

Visual Identification of Butterfly Weed

Bright orange umbels on 1–2 foot stems. Narrow leaves. Distinctive spindle-shaped seed pods.

Harvesting and Sowing Seeds

Collect pods when they split. Sow seeds lightly covered, keep moist and warm. Germination in 2+ weeks.

First-Year Expectations for Perennials

May not bloom until year 2. Focus on root establishment.

Ecological Value for Monarchs

Asclepias is the sole host for monarch caterpillars. Plant in groups for impact.