Same Family

• Milkweed is a general name for all species of plants in the genus Asclepias. Butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa L.) is a member of the milkweed or Asclepias family.
  
  

Perennial

• Butterfly weed, like other plants in the milkweed family, is a perennial plant. Butterfly weed and other milkweed plants will grow and spread year after year in a location once it is established.
  
  

Transplanting

• Butterfly weed and other milkweed plants can be easily propagated by digging up and transplanting established plants.
  
  

Seed Dispersal

• The weeds of plants in the milkweed family, including butterfly weed, are dispersed by the wind. Mature seed pods split open and the seeds--which are attaches to milkweed fluff--will be carried away by the wind.
  
  

Monarch Butterflies

• Monarch butterfly larva or caterpillars feed on all species of the milkweed family, including butterfly weed. Milkweed plants also provide nectar for adult butterflies.
  
  

Color

• Butterfly weed is one of the most vibrant members of the milkweed family with its bright orange flower clusters.