Prairie, Butterflyweed

(Asclepias tuberosa) From midsummer until early fall, beautiful bright-orange flowers cover butterflyweed. This North American native attracts bees, hummingbirds, moths, and butterflies and is an essential host plant for Monarch butterflies. Blooms reliably from seed the first year, if sown early. Plants will reach 2-3′ tall and grow well in dry, sandy soil and in well-drained loams. Perennial. Hardy to zone 4.

Instructions – Sow seeds indoors just beneath surface of soil in pots. Germination will occur with no treatment but benefits from cold stratification. Place pots in plastic bags and refrigerate for three weeks. Remove plastic and provide light and 50-75°F thereafter. Do not overwater. Transplant outdoors when light frost is still possible.