Butterfly milkweed, also known as butterfly weed, is a vibrant and attractive plant that is loved by both gardeners and butterflies alike. Despite the slight difference in name, butterfly milkweed and butterfly weed are indeed the same plant. The term “milkweed” is used to describe plants in the Asclepias genus, which includes butterfly milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa) among many other species.
The common name “butterfly milkweed” is a bit misleading because the plant does not actually produce milky sap. Instead, it has translucent sap that flows through its stems and leaves. This sap contains toxic compounds called cardiac glycosides, which serve as a defense mechanism to deter herbivores from eating the plant. Interestingly, monarch butterfly caterpillars have evolved the ability to sequester these toxins, making them unpalatable to predators.
The scientific name of butterfly milkweed, Asclepias tuberosa, has an interesting origin. The genus name, Asclepias, is derived from Asklepios, the Greek god of medicine. This is a nod to the historical use of milkweed plants in traditional medicine for their various medicinal properties. The specific epithet, tuberosa, refers to the thick tuberous roots of the plant. These roots make butterfly milkweed difficult to transplant from the wild, as they are essential for the plant’s survival and regrowth.
In terms of cultivation, butterfly milkweed is a popular choice for native plant enthusiasts and butterfly gardens. It is a perennial plant that thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. The bright orange flowers of butterfly milkweed are not only visually stunning but also attract a wide variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies. As the common name suggests, it is particularly appealing to butterflies, especially monarchs.
One of the challenges of growing butterfly milkweed is its reluctance to be transplanted. Due to its tuberous roots, it is best to establish this plant from seed or purchase young plants from nurseries that specialize in native plants. Transplanting mature butterfly milkweed from the wild is not recommended, as it can disrupt the plant’s delicate root system and lead to poor establishment or even death.
In my personal experience as a gardener, I have found butterfly milkweed to be a delightful addition to my landscape. Not only does it provide a burst of color and beauty, but it also supports important pollinators like butterflies. I have observed monarch butterflies visiting the flowers and laying their eggs on the leaves, which eventually hatch into caterpillars. It is a joy to witness this natural process and contribute to the conservation of these magnificent insects.
To summarize, butterfly milkweed and butterfly weed are synonymous terms used to describe the plant with the scientific name Asclepias tuberosa. Despite its misleading common name, butterfly milkweed does not produce milky sap but instead has translucent sap. Its name “tuberosa” refers to its thick tuberous roots, which make it difficult to transplant from the wild. This plant is a favorite among gardeners and butterfly enthusiasts due to its vibrant flowers and ability to attract and support pollinators.
