When a wildflower has a common name that includes the word "weed" it brings the connotation of an uncontrollable/undesirable plant, but
Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa) would be a fine addition to any garden. The bright orange flowers are hard to miss and unlike most "weeds", the Butterfly Weed does not propagate easily. I only have one clump of Butterfly Weed on our property, and I put a support cage around it so it doesn't get mowed. This plant favors dry, sand or gravel soil, and requires full sun.
Also known as Orange Milkweed, its small 5 lobed flowers glow in clusters and the small flowers are the same shape and size as Common Milkweed.
This plant gets its name from the butterflies it attracts with its bright, nectar rich flowers. This cluster of flowers was covered with small ants.
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