#1 Gallon
Asclepias tuberosa (Butterfly Weed) is a hardy, drought-tolerant perennial (Zones 3–9) featuring vibrant orange, yellow, or red flower clusters that bloom from June to August. It is essential for butterfly gardens as a Monarch caterpillar host and nectar source. Unlike other milkweeds, it lacks milky sap and requires full sun with well-drained soil. 
 
Key Characteristics & Care:
Size: Grows 1–3 ft. tall and wide, with a clump-forming habit.
Conditions: Requires full sun (6+ hours) and dry to average, well-drained soil. It thrives in poor, sandy, or gravelly soil.
Maintenance: Drought-tolerant once established. It is slow to emerge in spring, so mark its location to avoid damage.
Propagation: Best grown from seed (needs 1-month cold stratification) or root cuttings. It is difficult to transplant due to a deep taproot.
Bloom Time: Mid-to-late summer, lasting roughly 6-8 weeks.
Spread: Spreads via seeds, which are dispersed by wind from 3–6 inch, hairy pods. 
 
Common Uses:
Ideal for rock gardens, sunny borders, native plant gardens, and meadow plantings.
Acts as a larval host for Monarch and Queen butterflies. 
Important Notes:
Poisonous: Contains cardiac glycosides, which can cause severe illness if ingested and may irritate the skin.
Susceptibility: Can be prone to Cercospora leaf spot; avoid planting in monocultures.