Asclepias Tuberosa

Asclepias tuberosa or some of you may know it by one of the following common names such as; Silkweed, Butterfly Milkweed, Swamp Milkweed or as many of the locals in the Ozarks have named it Chigger Bush.

The name Chigger Bush comes from the flower color which is orange and matches almost perfectly with that of the irritating chigger.

Heights vary from as little as twenty inches to as much as forty inches with cultivars are available in the following colors:

• pink
• rosy pink
• white
• purple-pink
• yellow
• orange

Showy and colorful clusters of flowers are produced by the Butterfly Milkweed from midsummer to fall.

These plants are great for sunny borders and water gardens and or bog gardens.

Last but not least this great wildflower is known for attracting butterflies.

Be careful to not over water new plantings and even mature dormant plants do not appreciate too much moisture.