Open-pollinated. Perennial to Zone 4. Also called Pleurisy Root. Native to North America and widely adapted, this bright sun-lover provides a bold splash of bright orange from June until frost. Vigorous mounded 2x2' plants bear broad 5" heads of waxy flowers attractive to butterflies and bees. Leaves are a food source for monarch butterfly larvae. Both the flowers and pointed seedpods are useful for cutflower arrangements. Native Americans used roots to combat lung and throat troubles and to soothe wounds and sores. Germinates in 3 weeks at 70°. Choose a permanent site with well-drained fertile sandy soil because its tuberous roots do not like to be disturbed. Direct sow in spring or fall, thinning to 18–24". Cut when at least half the flowers are open. Use caution when handling cut butterfly weed as sap can cause irritation. Slow to emerge in spring. Exceptionally drought-tolerant. About 200 seeds/g. Especially attractive to pollinators. ②
Butterfly Weed
Butterfly Weed
Open-pollinated. Perennial to Zone 4. Also called Pleurisy Root. Native to North America and widely adapted, this bright sun-lover provides a bold splash of bright orange from June until frost. Vigorous mounded 2x2' plants bear broad 5" heads of waxy flowers attractive to butterflies and bees. Leaves are a food source for monarch butterfly larvae. Both the flowers and pointed seedpods are useful for cutflower arrangements. Native Americans used roots to combat lung and throat troubles and to soothe wounds and sores. Germinates in 3 weeks at 70°. Choose a permanent site with well-drained fertile sandy soil because its tuberous roots do not like to be disturbed. Direct sow in spring or fall, thinning to 18–24". Cut when at least half the flowers are open. Use caution when handling cut butterfly weed as sap can cause irritation. Slow to emerge in spring. Exceptionally drought-tolerant. About 200 seeds/g. Especially attractive to pollinators. ②
Additional Information
Flowers
All flowers are open-pollinated except where noted.
Days in parentheses after a variety indicate days to first bloom.
Germination Testing
For the latest results of our germination tests, please see the germination page.
Our Seeds are Non-GMO
All of our seeds are non-GMO, and free of neonicotinoids and fungicides. Fedco is one of the original companies to sign the Safe Seed Pledge.