Butterflyweed, Butterfly milkweed
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Asclepias tuberosa
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Apocynaceae
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Landscape Uses:
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Primarily recommended for natural landscapes and habitat restorations. Also wildflower and butterfly gardens. |
Ecological Restoration Notes: |
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An occasional but widespread understory herb in pinelands. |
Availability: |
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Occasionally grown by native plant nurseries. Available at Indian Trails Native Nursery in Lake Worth (561-641-9488) and in Groveland at Green Isle Gardens (321-436-4932). |
Description: |
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Small, somewhat sprawling wildflower. |
Height: |
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Typically 1-2 feet in height. Usually taller than broad, but sometimes falling over and forming small patches. |
Growth Rate: |
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Moderate. |
Range: |
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Widespread in North America south to Miami-Dade and Collier counties; northeastern Mexico. Not documented on barrier islands in South Florida, but possibly historically present; it is cultivated at Pan’s Garden in Palm Beach. |
Habitats: |
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Pinelands. |
Soils: |
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Moist, well-drained calcareous or sandy soils, without humus. |
Nutritional Requirements: |
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Low; it grows in nutrient poor soils. |
Salt Water Tolerance: |
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Low; does not tolerate flooding by salt or brackish water. |
Salt Wind Tolerance: |
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Low; salt wind may burn the leaves. |
Drought Tolerance: |
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High; does not require any supplemental water once established. |
Light Requirements: |
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Full sun. |
Flower Color: |
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Red, orange or yellow. |
Flower Characteristics: |
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Showy. |
Flowering Season: |
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All year. |
Fruit: |
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Slender pod (follicle) with wind dispersed seeds. |
Wildlife and Ecology: |
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Larval host plant for monarch (Danaus plexippus) and rarely queen (Danaus gilippus) butterflies; possible larval host of soldier (Danaus eresimus) butterflies. Nectar plant for monarch (Danaus plexippus) and other butterflies. Attracts bees and other insects pollinators.
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Horticultural Notes: |
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Grown from seed, which may require chilling for a few weeks if fresh. Young plants are somewhat sensitive and should not be disturbed until established. |
Comments: |
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See also the Florida Wildflower Foundation's Flower Friday page and Monarchs & Milkweed flyer.
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