Butterfly weed is a favorite landscape plant with striking orange flowers. As with other milkweeds, it is critical to the life cycle of the Monarch butterfly. Prefers a drier, well-draining site.

Native range: Eastern and southern North America, from South Dakota south to Texas and Mexico, west to Utah and Arizona

Size: 2 feet tall, space 2 feet apart

Growing conditions: Full to partial sun, medium to dry soil

Bloom period: June through August

Wildlife value: Attracts butterflies, bees, and other pollinators; larval host for Monarch, Queen, dogbane tiger moth, milkweed tussock moth, and unexpected cycnia butterflies; nectar source for many butterfly species

Garden benefits: Critical to the life cycle of the Monarch butterfly, drought tolerant, deer resistant