How to identify Butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa)

How to identify Butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa)

Butterfly weed, also known as Chiggerflower, Silky swallow-wort

Butterfly weed is an erect, herbaceous perennial plant that typically forms clumps measuring 1 to 3 feet (30 to 90 cm) tall. Its growth habit features spiraled, narrow leaves distributed along the stems, which display a distinctive lack of milky sap when cut. The prominent flowers arise in axillary cymes and showcase a vibrant orange hue. Each flower is characterized by a unique floral structure: a central corona composed of a surrounding hood and projecting horn. The overall floral arrangement presents a flat-topped appearance.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Herb

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Butterfly weed

Erect growth, 1-3 feet (30-90 cm) tall, forming clumps.

Vibrant orange flowers with unique corona structure.

Distinctive lance-shaped leaves, hairy with hispidulous pubescence.

Spindle-shaped fruit pods, smooth with silky, wind-dispersal tufted seeds.

Flat-topped floral arrangement with rotate petals and conspicuous corona.

Detailed Traits of Butterfly weed

Leaf Features

The leaves of butterfly weed are lance-shaped to narrowly egg-shaped, arranged singly along the stem. They measure 2-6 inches (5-15 cm) long and 0.25-1 inch (0.6-2.5 cm) wide. The leaves exhibit a simple, narrow lanceolate to oblong form with acute to obtuse tips. They are hairy with a hispidulous pubescence and can be sessile or have very short petioles. The stem is covered with reclined to somewhat erect hairs and branches near the top.

Leaf Arrangement

Alternate

Leaf Apex

Acute

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Flower Features

The flowers of butterfly weed are vibrant clusters of bright orange to yellow-orange hues, occasionally tinged with yellowish to vermillion. Each flower features a distinctive structure with five small, rotate petals about 0.3 inches (8 mm) long, five sepals, and five stamens. Notably, the flowers have a conspicuous corona composed of five hood lobes, combining a hood and incurved horn. Blooming from May to August, these flowers can be seen in flat-topped cymes, adding spectacular color to the plant.

Inflorescence Type

Corymb

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Fruit Features

The fruit of butterfly weed is characterized by its spindle-shaped, fusiform follicles which are smooth and typically develop in pairs. These dehiscent seed pods measure approximately 3-6 inches (7.6-15.2 cm) in length and display their unique contents from August to September. When mature, the pods split open to release seeds that are each equipped with a silky, apical tuft of trichomes, aiding in wind dispersal. The seeds’ silky tails contribute to their distinctive appearance and facilitate their journey through the air.

Learn About the Fruit Glossary

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Butterfly weed and Their Similar Plants

Common milkweed vs. Butterfly weed: What's The Difference?

Asclepias syriaca, commonly known as common milkweed, is a flowering perennial herbaceous plant native to North America. It contains milky latex which can be toxic to sheep, cows, and other larger mammals (including humans) if it is consumed in large amounts. Many insect species are attracted to common milkweed, most notably monarch butterflies.

Swamp milkweed vs. Butterfly weed: What's The Difference?

Swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) is a plant species native to Canada and the continental United States. Swamp milkweed attract butterflies with its nectar. Swamp milkweed gives off a subtle vanilla scent. The stems contain a poisonous milky sap.

Bloodflower vs. Butterfly weed: What's The Difference?

If you are looking to attract butterflies to your garden or yard, the bloodflower is one of the best ways to do it. This plant is known for its ability to attract butterflies with the yellow, red, and orange flowers that bloom on its tall stems in the summer and fall.

Showy milkweed vs. Butterfly weed: What's The Difference?

Though it is poisonous to dogs, cats, and horses, showy milkweed provides an extremely important food source to the monarch and other types of butterflies. It can be very invasive and in most areas is considered a weed. The fluffy "floss" from showy milkweed, however, has similar properties to goose down - it is now being cultivated as a cheaper alternative for jacket and sleeping-bag insulation.

Green milkweed vs. Butterfly weed: What's The Difference?

Green milkweed (Asclepias viridis) is a perennial herb native to the southeast and south-central U.S. The plant sports green flowers, and, like other milkweeds, produces a thick, milky white substance when cut. Milkweeds, green milkweed included, are the typical host plants of monarch butterflies, which lay their eggs on the plant's leaves.

Narrowleaf milkweed vs. Butterfly weed: What's The Difference?

Narrowleaf milkweed (Asclepias fascicularis) is essential for the survival of the Monarch Butterfly, which consumes the nectar of this plant. To return the favor, these butterflies pollinate narrowleaf milkweed, ensuring its continued survival. The seedpods of narrowleaf milkweed (Asclepias fascicularis) look great in dried flower arrangements.

Whorled Milkweed vs. Butterfly weed: What's The Difference?

The whorled Milkweed (Asclepias verticillata) is a perennial herb native to North America which, like other milkweeds, provides food for monarch caterpillars. This form of milkweed is among the most widely distributed varieties and serves as a crucial late-season host for monarch larvae. The Latin name, Asclepias verticillata, is an interpolation of the name of Asclepius, the Greek god of medicine.

Poke milkweed vs. Butterfly weed: What's The Difference?

Poke milkweed is found naturally in many woodlands and grows well in partial shade. Monarchs and rabbits alike enjoy feeding on its foliage. This plant is not invasive, but it is long-lived.

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Key Facts About Butterfly weed

Attributes of Butterfly weed

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Herb

Plant Height

30 cm to 1 m

Spread

30 cm to 60 cm

Leaf Color

Green

Flower Size

1 cm

Flower Color

Orange

Yellow

Red

Gold

Fruit Color

Silver

Green

Gray

Stem Color

Green

Gray

Silver

Red

Yellow

Orange

Leaf type

Deciduous

The Toxicity of Butterfly weed

Highly Toxic to Humans

Toxic to Dogs

Toxic to Cats

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Scientific Classification of Butterfly weed

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Gentians, dogbanes, madders, and allies

Family

Dogbane

Genus

Milkweeds

Species

Butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa)

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Distribution Map of Butterfly weed

The butterfly weed is native to Southeastern Canada, the USA and Northern Mexico. Within its native range, the plant occurs in grasslands and disturbed areas. The butterfly weed is cultivated worldwide for ornamental purposes.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

Learn More About the Butterfly weed

A Comprehensive Guide to Butterfly weed How to Grow and Care for Butterfly weed