Is butterfly weed native to North Carolina?

If you live in North Carolina, we recommend planting Asclepias tuberosa, also known as Butterfly Milkweed (among other names). This species is native our area, provides an excellent source of food for the Monarch Butterfly, and looks beautiful when in bloom.

Why is butterfly weed called chigger flower?

Nicknames ring true. “Chigger weed” hints at mites that hitchhike on the wildflower’s hairy stems. “Pleurisy root” gives nod to Native Americans who chewed the plant’s tuberous roots as treatment for lung ailments.

Is milkweed good for your liver?

Medical research on milk thistle and liver health has led to mixed results. Studies show that silymarin may help ease inflammation and promote cell repair. This may help ease symptoms from liver diseases like jaundice, cirrhosis, liver cancer, and fatty liver disease.

Is butterfly weed an annual?

Butterfly Weed is a herbaceous perennial native to North America. It produces showy orange flowers for up to two months in Summer, with a typical bloom time of June to August. A second year Butterfly Weed Plant. Naturally found in prairies and grasslands, this flower is a very important plant for wildlife.

Is butterfly weed drought tolerant?

The foliage of butterfly weed is not a preferred food but can support monarch caterpillars. This drought-tolerant plant grows best in a dry and sunny location, and is hardy in Zones 3 to 9. Butterfly weed has upright stems with clusters of bright orange flowers that contrast nicely with the shiny green leaves.

Is butterfly weed the same as milkweed?

Butterfly weed is a member of the milkweed family (Asclepiadaceae). The genus name Asclepias is named after the Greek god of medicine Asklepios. The species name tuberose refers to the tuberous (knobby and with swellings) roots.

Is butterfly weed native to PA?

Of these, 11 varieties are native or naturalized in Pennsylvania. The three most common species in our region are common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca), butterflyweed (Asclepias tuberosa), and swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata).

Is milkweed a painkiller?

Native American Uses: Milkweed was used as a painkiller, a pulmonary aid, and to treat diarrhea. In addition, fibers from the stems were utilized to make belts and the roots were ingested to treat rheumatism and pleurisy. Milkweed roots were also used to make a drink that was given to women after childbirth.

Do you pinch butterfly weed?

Pinch back when 5 or 6 inches (12 to 15cm) tall to encourage bushy growth.

Is butterfly weed hard to grow?

Beloved for its ability to attract a variety of helpful (and beautiful) insects to the garden, butterfly weed is an easy-to-nurture herbaceous perennial that can also be found growing as a native wildflower in a slew of untamed environments, such as meadows, prairies, and forest clearings.

Will monarchs eat butterfly weed?

Identified as the 2017 Perennial Plant of the Year by the Perennial Plant Association, butterfly weed is known for its ability to support insects and birds and serves as the primary caterpillar food for the monarch butterfly.

Do hummingbirds like butterfly weed?

Milkweed (Asclepias) also known as Butterfly Weed Not only is it the host plant for monarchs — hummingbirds (and many other butterflies) like these flowers too. There are dozens of varieties available, but swamp milkweed seems to be the monarch and hummingbird favorite in our yard.

Do monarchs lay eggs on butterfly weed?

Egg-laying female monarch butterflies prefer to lay eggs on the newer growth of the butterfly weed plant and will secrete about 700 eggs during a two to five week period. Depending on temperature, the egg stage lasts three to eight days.