Asclepias tuberosa

This native perennial is the classic choice for butterfly gardens. Many times I’ve walked up to a mature specimen out on the Tallgrass Prairie and found over a dozen species of butterflies feasting on the nectar of its flowers. Adult butterflies of all kinds love the nectar and the caterpillars of Monarch butterflies feed on its leaves making it an invaluable choice for attracting these creatures. Orange Butterflyweed is also much appreciated by gardeners due to its brilliant orange flower clusters that adorn the plant in summer. It is a tap-rooted perennial, so don’t attempt to dig it from the wild.