Butterfly Milkweed

The butterfly milkweed is found throughout much of North America, particularly in the central and eastern regions of the United States. It is native to areas with dry, sandy, or rocky soils. Butterfly milkweed thrives in a variety of habitats, including prairies, meadows, open woodlands, and roadsides. Butterfly milkweed prefers full sun, meaning it should receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Well-drained soils are essential for this plant. It can tolerate poor soils, including sandy or rocky soil types. Once established, butterfly milkweed is quite drought-tolerant. Avoid overwatering, as it can lead to root rot. As the name suggests, butterfly milkweed is a favorite of many butterfly species, including monarchs. The flowers provide nectar for adult butterflies, while the leaves are food for monarch caterpillars. In addition to butterflies, the flowers attract other pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds.