Water: Low to medium water needs; highly drought-tolerant once established
Soil: Prefers well-drained sandy, loamy, or rocky soils; tolerates poor and dry soils
Height: 1-2 feet
Bloom Time: Mid-summer to early fall
Lifespan: Perennial
Growth Habit: Clumping, upright wildflower
Additional Information: Butterfly Weed is a showy native milkweed known for its brilliant orange flowers, which attract butterflies, bees, and other pollinators. Unlike many other milkweed species, it does not produce milky sap, and its deep taproot makes it highly drought-resistant. This species thrives in prairies, roadsides, and dry open areas, adding a bold pop of color to the landscape. Its compact, clumping growth habit makes it an excellent choice for gardens, where it pairs well with native grasses and wildflowers. Butterfly Weed is a low-maintenance, long-lived addition to any native planting, providing both ecological benefits and ornamental appeal.
