Butterfly Milkweed

This species is slow to establish, but very drought tolerant once established. Butterfly Milkweed is susceptible to aphids, which can be taken care of by ladybugs or a soapy water spray. Does well in poor dry soils - is not tolerant of clay or poorly drained soils. Does not transplant well due to its deep taproot and is better left undisturbed. Flowers give way to prominent, spindle-shaped seed pods (3-6" long) which split open when ripe releasing numerous silky-tailed seeds for dispersal by the wind. Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds. Important food source for adult and caterpillar Monarch butterflies.