Asclepias tuberosa

Orange galore

Butterfly weed is native to our Illinois prairies and an outstanding sun-loving perennial for our gardens. It grows to about 3' in height and has a very upright habit. Bright orange flowers borne at the tips of the stems herald the arrival of summer. Once the blooms have gone, ornamental seed pods appear, prolonging the visual impact of butterfly weed. It works well in a formal garden or a more naturalized setting.