Seed collected from MPF’s Stilwell Prairie. Photo: Scott Lenharth
Butterfly Milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa)
Distinguishing Characteristics
Very hairy stem. Long, narrow, hairy leaves. Leaf margin lacking teeth. Sap not milky like other milkweeds.
Height
Up to 3 feet tall
Blooms
May to September
Description
Flowers are displayed in terminal umbels. Many shades of orange to brick red, occasionally yellow. Long seedpods are as much as 41/2 inches long with tightly packed seeds in spirals and silky floss.
Comments
Found throughout Missouri in upland habitats, open savannas, and sandy sites in tallgrass region. Occasionally used in seeding mixes, may take several years to bloom. Withstands overgrazing and is an excellent nectar source for insects, while the leaves are a food source for the monarch caterpillar.

Seeds (scale is in 1/16 inch increments)

Seedling

Juvenile

Distinguishing Characteristics

Mature