Butterfly weed is the showiest of our native milkweeds, topping clumps of narrow leaves with flat clusters of vivid orange (occasionally yellow) flowers through the heat of summer. Unlike most milkweeds it has clear, not milky, sap and a deep taproot that makes it exceptionally drought tolerant once established.
Where it grows in North Carolina
Found in every region of the state, from sandhill roadsides and Piedmont meadows to dry mountain slopes. It thrives in lean, sandy or rocky soils and full sun, and generally struggles in rich, wet, or heavily mulched beds.
Wildlife value
As a true milkweed (Asclepias), it is a larval host for monarch butterflies, and its nectar draws swallowtails, fritillaries, native bees, and beneficial wasps all summer long.
In the garden
Give it full sun and sharp drainage; avoid overwatering. It is slow to emerge in spring, so mark its spot. Leave seed pods to ripen if you want it to spread.