But this versatile old-timer is now making its way into backyard gardens where it cooperates beautifully with other naturalistic plantings. And certainly the present interest in creating butterfly-friendly gardens has rekindled its demand, for there are few other flowers that are guaranteed to be such a strong butterfly magnet as this one. A member of the milkweed family, butterfly weed differs from its cousins by exuding a watery juice from the leaves and stems, not the more common milky sap. Its bright orange flowers, which are clustered at the top of hairy stems, are a beacon for attracting the monarch butterfly that alights to sip nectar from its fragrant blossoms. Later in the season, the plant produces narrow, hairy pods shaped like tiny spindles.
Butterfly weed is perfectly at home in dry, sandy soil and is very drought-tolerant.
Here at the Chicago Botanic Garden, Asclepias is found in the Naturalistic Garden, the Sensory Garden, certain parking lot areas and, of course, the Prairie. One especially cheerful yellow cultivar is called 'Hello Yellow'. Randhava, Horticultural Writer See Illinois' Best Plants for more recommended plants. All Rights Reserved. The Chicago Botanic Garden is owned by the Forest Preserve District of Cook County and managed by the Chicago Horticultural Society.