Description
Butterfly Milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa), also called Butterfly Weed, is a standout native known for its bright orange flowers, though blooms can range from deep orange-red to yellow. Unlike most milkweeds, it does not produce milky sap, which makes it easy to identify.
Its leaves are narrow and lance-shaped, with a deep green color and little to no leaf stalk. They are arranged alternately along upright, branching stems, giving the plant a clean, structured look. The stems are sturdy and slightly fuzzy, forming a compact, bushy clump rather than a tall, open plant. Blooming from late spring through summer, it produces flower clusters that attract a wide range of pollinators. It is especially important as a host plant for Monarch butterflies, providing a place for them to lay eggs and for caterpillars to feed. The nectar also supports adult butterflies throughout the season.
Butterfly Milkweed grows best in full sun and it thrives in sandy, rocky, or lean soils and is highly drought-tolerant and low-maintenance once established. It develops a deep taproot, which helps it survive tough conditions. Because of its preference for dry conditions, it is best suited for prairies, slopes, and well-drained garden beds rather than wet areas.
After flowering, slender seed pods develop, releasing silky seeds that spread naturally through the wind.
It pairs well with other milkweeds, including Prairie Milkweed (Asclepias sullivantii), Purple Milkweed (Asclepias purpurascens), Whorled Milkweed (Asclepias verticillata), Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca), and Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata). These species vary in moisture needs and form but all support Monarchs.
Looking for multiple milkweed species? This species is included in our Monarch Milkweed Seed Collection, which includes five native milkweed seed packets at a savings compared with purchasing them individually.
Shipping
Please note that we are an online seed supplier and nursery and have no retail store, but you may pick up your order at our warehouse if prior arrangements are made. Missouri sales tax applies to pickup orders.
Shipping Restrictions: We do not ship seeds, seed mixes, live plants, or other products to Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Maine, Nevada, Oregon, or Washington.
Seeds & Seed Mixes
Seeds and seed mixes ship year-round to eligible U.S. destinations, typically within 3–5 business days.
Seed Packets: Orders containing only seed packets ship for a flat rate of $7.30.
Seed Mixes:
- Midwest states (MO and surrounding states): $9.50 for the first seed mix, plus $1.50 for each additional seed mix.
- Outside the Midwest: $11.50 for the first seed mix, plus $1.50 for each additional seed mix.
If your order contains at least one seed mix, the seed mix shipping rate applies.
Free Shipping: Combined seed packet and seed mix orders totaling $100 or more qualify for free shipping.
Live Plants
Live plant shipping rates are calculated using UPS Ground rates based on your order and shipping destination. All live plant orders ship via UPS.
For larger quantities or species not listed online, we offer contract growing. Contact us to discuss your needs and request a quote.
Live Stakes
Live stakes are available by request only and must be ordered through our contact form.
Orders are accepted seasonally from November 1 through February 28. A minimum of 1,000 stakes per order is required, with at least 500 stakes per species.
Live stakes ship only to the following states: Missouri, Minnesota, South Dakota, North Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Tennessee, Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, and Iowa.
Shipping Seasons & Availability
Seeds & Seed Mixes
Seeds and seed mixes ship year-round, typically within 3–5 business days. If you would like to postpone a seed mix shipment until fall, please leave a note at checkout.
Live Plants
Live plants ship during spring and fall, depending on the species and growing conditions. Shipping dates may vary by species. Preorder announcements will be posted on our homepage. Check individual product pages for specific availability and shipping information.
Each species is listed with one of the following statuses:
- Pre-Order: Available to order for a future shipping window.
- In Stock — Shipping Now: Available and ready to ship.
- Out of Stock: Currently unavailable to order.
Availability and shipping status vary by species, so check each product listing before placing your order.
Plant orders ship on Mondays during the designated shipping season.
Live Stakes
Available for seasonal ordering from November 1 through February 28. See the Live Stakes section above for minimum order quantities and eligible shipping destinations.
Local Pickup
Local pickup is available by prior arrangement. Please contact us to coordinate pickup. Missouri sales tax applies to pickup orders.
Tax-Exempt Orders
Customers with a valid tax-exempt certificate or letter must contact us before placing an order to request tax-exempt processing. Please call us and email your tax-exempt documentation, or attach your certificate or letter to our contact form.
Once we receive your documentation, we can assist you with placing your order by phone or email. Orders must be placed directly with our team to ensure the appropriate tax exemption is applied.
Packing
Seed packets
Individual species are packaged and labeled in paper seed packets. Small orders ship in bubble mailers, while larger orders ship in cardboard boxes.
Seed Mixes
Online seed mixes are packaged in brown kraft paper envelopes or woven nylon bags and labeled with the species composition and Pure Live Seed (PLS) information. Rice hulls (inert carrier) will be included with seed mix orders. All orders will arrive in a cardboard box.
Plant trays
Plants are watered and packaged by flat in ventilated, travel-safe boxes. Plant orders ship on Mondays during the designated shipping season.
Live stakes
Live stakes are bundled and wrapped to help retain moisture, then shipped in insulated boxes.
Delivery
Orders are shipped via UPS. Once your order ships, you’ll receive an email with tracking information.
