A Beautiful Weed
When we hear the word ‘weed’ we may grumble and grovel,
but many times this word may lead us to exquisite wildflowers.
One of the most eye-catching of these ‘weeds’ is Butterfly
Milkweed.
Butterfly Milkweed has many common names including
Butterfly Weed and Orange Milkweed, but scientifically
Butterfly Milkweed is known as Asclepias tuberosa.
The common name Butterfly Milkweed comes from the
plant’s relationship to butterflies. Butterfly Milkweed, which is in the milkweed family, is one of the host plants, or larval food sources, for caterpillars such as the queen and monarch. Caterpillars are very persnickety eaters and without these plants these caterpillars would not grow to become butterflies. Not only is this plant host to caterpillars, but it also attracts many adult butterflies due to its flower shape, bright color and lovely nectar. Wildflower lovers are often astonished when they see this blossom while driving along quiet country roads through meadows and farm fields. It is not a flower that one sees everyday, which is one of the reasons why a sighting is so special. Many New England states have watched populations of this plant drop drastically, and in some states Butterfly Milkweed is listed as an endangered species. Luckily, if you have a sunny spot in your garden you can provide a lovely habitat for Butterfly Milkweed, all while bringing beneficial insects such as butterflies into your garden. This summer as you plan to spruce up your landscape please keep our friend, Asclepias tuberose, in mind.
The Outdoor Classroom staff
