An amazing native plant, butterfly weed (also called milkweed), develops showy flower heads of orange or yellow flowers. This rugged perennial, grows 1 to 3 feet tall and blooms nonstop throughout the summer. Butterfly weed is a must-have plant for butterfly lovers. The nectar-rich blooms attract a wide variety of butterfly species and the foliage is an important food source for Monarch butterfly larvae. Plant butterfly weed in a sunny spot, stand back, and watch the butterflies flock to your yard. The plants are generally rabbit- and deer-resistant, too!

Butterfly weed has been named Perennial Plant of the Year for 2017 by the Perennial Plant Association, a group of growers, breeders, writers, and other experts in the perennial field.

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Butterfly weed is a sun worshipper so plant it where it will receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight a day. Because the plants are prairie natives Butterfly weed isn't too fussy about soil or moisture, but do prefer well-drained, slightly moist soil. They are not heavy feeders so a light application of slow-release granular fertilizer in the spring is all you need to offer.

Butterfly weed can be touchy about being transplanted so try to place it in a spot where you won't have to move it later on.

Butterfly weed is not intended for human or animal consumption.