Quick answer: Butterflyweed (Asclepias tuberosa) is native to 40 states. What's commonly sold under this name is the true wild species. It's typically seeds, verified 16 Sep 2026.
Photo: Eric Hunt, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Where it's native
Listed in the directory as native to these states. Click a state for its full native-plant guide.
Growing conditions
From the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database.
| Sun | Sun |
|---|---|
| Water | Low water, Dry-Moist |
| Soil | Well-drained sandy soils, tolerates drought, also loam/clay/limestone |
| Bloom | Bloom May-Sep |
| Height | 1-2 ft tall |
| Wildlife value | Larval host for Monarch and Queen butterflies, attracts hummingbirds, special value to native/bumble/honey bees |
Roots and plant sap from all parts; not edible; toxic only if eaten in large quantities; symptoms vomiting, stupor, weakness, spasms.
Buying it
Sold true to the wild species as of the last check (16 Sep 2026), via Amazon.
Sold as: Seeds via Amazon · listing verified 16 Sep 2026
See where to buy →Quick answers about Butterflyweed
Where is Butterflyweed native?
Butterflyweed (Asclepias tuberosa) is native to 40 states across the Northeast, Midwest, South and West. Check your state's page in this directory for the full list of plants native where you live.
When does Butterflyweed bloom?
Butterflyweed blooms May-Sep. Exact timing shifts a few weeks with latitude and elevation.
What growing conditions does Butterflyweed need?
Light: Sun. Water: Low water, Dry-Moist. Soil: Well-drained sandy soils, tolerates drought, also loam/clay/limestone. Mature height: 1-2 ft tall.
Is Butterflyweed good for pollinators and wildlife?
Yes. Wildlife value: Larval host for Monarch and Queen butterflies, attracts hummingbirds, special value to native/bumble/honey bees.
Is Butterflyweed deer-resistant or drought-tolerant?
Butterflyweed is deer-resistant and drought-tolerant.
Is Butterflyweed toxic?
Roots and plant sap from all parts; not edible; toxic only if eaten in large quantities; symptoms vomiting, stupor, weakness, spasms.
Where can I buy real Butterflyweed seed or plants?
We found a listing sold as seeds that names the true species, last checked 16 Sep 2026. Look for the scientific name Asclepias tuberosa on any listing.
Similar native plants
Native plants that share growing conditions or range with Butterflyweed.
- Big bluestem Andropogon gerardii
- Black-eyed Susan Rudbeckia hirta
- Little bluestem Schizachyrium scoparium
- Eastern red columbine Aquilegia canadensis
- Switchgrass Panicum virgatum
- Indiangrass Sorghastrum nutans
Also listed under
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