Butterfly Milkweed
If you have a sunny spot with well-draining soil, show pollinators hospitality by planting colourful and nectar-rich Butterfly Milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa). Growing 30-60 cm tall (or higher in rich soils), vibrant orange Butterfly Milkweed will stand out in any yard. Its sweet nectar will entice a variety of butterflies to visit when the flowers appear in the summer warmth.
Although Monarch caterpillars prefer Common Milkweed and Swamp Milkweed, these plants grow vigorously, often moving into unwanted locations. Butterfly Milkweed is more well-behaved and Monarchs will use it as a caterpillar host plant when the others are not available.
Transplanting can be tricky due to a long taproot. Grow from seed in their permanent location or transplant carefully to a permanent location. Drought tolerant and somewhat salt tolerant, once established they will return for many years.
Combine with Lance-leaved Coreopsis or Wild Lupines in front of taller companions such as Little Bluestem or Black-eyed Susan. Or grow amongst a bed of wild strawberry, one of the first spring-blooming pollinator plants.
Plant in groups of five or more to make the plants easy for pollinators to find. Plant clusters of other pollinator plants nearby to provide blooms throughout the seasons.