Brilliant orange-flowered milkweed of dry prairies. Drought tolerant and unusually well behaved compared to its relatives.
Hardiness ratings
| System | Rating | Temperature range | How to read it |
|---|---|---|---|
| USDA hardiness zone | Zone 3–9 | −40 °C to −1.1 °C | Plant tolerates down to this zone |
| RHS hardiness rating | H7 | down to −20 °C | Plant needs at least this level of cold tolerance |
| Canadian plant hardiness zone | Zone 3–8 | −34 °C to −1 °C | Plant tolerates down to this zone |
| Australian (ANBG) zone | Zone 1–5 | −15 °C to 10 °C | Plant tolerates down to this zone |
Growing notes
- Larval food plant for monarch and queen butterflies
- Bright orange flat-topped flower clusters are exceptional pollinator forage
- Unlike other milkweeds the sap is not milky
- Deep taproot — does not transplant well once established, sow in place or set out very young plants
Pet caution: Butterfly weed is listed as potentially harmful to cats and/or dogs. Keep pets from grazing on it, and contact a vet if you suspect your animal has eaten some.
Categories
Related plants
Cross-check Butterfly weed against your zones