Butterflyweed (Asclepias tuberosa ssp rolfsii)

LIMIT ONE PER CUSTOMER - orders for more than one will be adjusted

Description:  Perennial. Up to 1-2 ft height with multiple clusters of scarlet/orange milkweed-type flowers. Stems often die back to ground level, then resprout days/weeks/ ? months later, from a tuberous root. Frequented by butterflies, bees, and many other insects.

Natural Habitat:  A pineland plant in Miami-Dade; elsewhere, open areas, sandy and dry fields.

Planting and Care:   Once established, seems to do best in dryish well-drained soil. Grows and flowers best in sunny areas.  Expect periodic die-back, keep site free of thick duff and larger overshading plants.

Pros:  An insect-attracting plant.  Beautiful flower clusters. Monarchs and Queen butterflies may lay eggs on it, but prefer other milkweeds.

Cons:  Periodic die-back. Also, many report poor success in long-term establishment, may be from planting non-South Florida plants or seeds

Note on Size: These plants are young and still small, they come in pint-size containers. Please see the container photo to get a sense of their size as of February 2024.

Photos copyright: Eleanor Dietrich