// SPECIES PROFILE · PERENNIAL · NATIVE

Butterfly milkweed

Asclepias tuberosa ssp. interior

Butterfly milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa ssp. interior) is a perennial in the — family. Native range includes AR, KS, MO, OK. Hardy in zones 2b–11a. Mature size 1'–2'. Blooms May–Sep.

// QUICK FACTS

Family: —
Group: perennial
Native range: Native to 42 U.S. states, including AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT…
USDA hardiness: Zones 2b–11a
Mature size: 1'–2'
Sun: Full sun
Water: Low · xeric
Bloom: May–Sep
Wildlife value: Pollinator and wildlife support
Ecological role: native species profile

Butterfly milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa ssp. interior) — *Asclepias tuberosa ssp. interior* — Butterfly milkweed. Photo via iNaturalist — (c) Michael J. Papay, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Michael J. Papay.

Field Notes

[ growing · ecology · siting · care ]

Butterfly milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa ssp. interior) is a perennial in the — family. Native range includes AR, KS, MO, OK. Hardy in zones 2b–11a. Mature size 1'–2'. Blooms May–Sep. Low water use makes it a strong candidate for xeric and drought-conscious plantings.

Why it's on this list: native species profile. Native-range data from the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center (NPIN), cross-checked against iNaturalist observations. Part of Rooted Revival's regional native plant catalog — true natives for Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri and Kansas.

Companion Planting

[ guild · polyculture · cross-layer pairings ]

In the same native range, butterfly milkweed pairs naturally with: Broadleaf Arrowhead (Sagittaria latifolia), Butterfly Milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa), Lady Fern (Athyrium filix-femina), Wild Strawberry (Fragaria virginiana).