Synonyms: Butterfly Milkweed, Butterflyweed.
Butterfly Weed is an unmistakable, locally common milkweed that can be found growing across most of Maryland, and grows throughout the eastern and southern United States. Butterfly Weed prefers open dry field habitats but can also be found growing along wooded edges. Bloom times for Butterfly Weed in the Maryland Biodiversity Project database range from 6/10 through 9/13.
Butterfly Weed is easily identified by the bright coloration of the flowers. Most plants are a deep orange but bright yellow flowers can also be encountered. Butterfly Weed has clear sap, in contrast to the milky sap that is typically found in other milkweed species.
Monarch and other caterpillars, including Queens and Grey Hairstreaks often feed on the leaves of Butterfly Weed.
This summer-long bloomer is a favored plant for many native pollinators, including numerous species of bees, wasps, and butterflies, as well as hummingbirds.
There are 208 records in the project database.
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