Butterfly Weed Native Prairie Milkweed - Organic

120–150 days to maturity; blooms in the second year from direct sowing. Certified Organic.

Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa) is a beloved native milkweed that brightens prairies and gardens with vivid orange flower clusters that attract monarchs and other butterflies, native bees, and other pollinators all summer long. Native to dry, sunny habitats across much of the Midwest and eastern U.S., including our endangered Tallgrass Prairies, this long-lived perennial is a key host plant for monarch caterpillars and a nectar source for many butterfly species. Unlike other milkweeds, Butterfly Weed’s stems are hairless and its leaves narrow and glossy, making it as ornamental as it is ecologically valuable. Deep taproots help it thrive in poor, sandy, or rocky soils once established, returning year after year with increasing vigor.

Sow Butterfly Weed in full sun and well-drained soil. Cold stratify seeds for 30 days before planting or sow outdoors in fall. Alternatively, clip narrow end of seed to barely expose germ. Press seed lightly into soil surface or barely cover - do not cover deeply. Keep moist until germination, which may take 2–4 weeks. Space plants 12–18 inches apart. Once established, plants are drought tolerant and form deep roots that resent transplanting.

Seed Source Information:

Lot # CO-OG-1603-2025. Grown by Circadian Organics in 2025 in Ferryville, WI. Certified Organic

The Midwest, with its unique combination of diverse topographies, microclimates, soil types, and weather patterns, presents a distinct set of growing challenges. At Driftless Seed Supply, our deep understanding of these conditions, honed by years of experience as Midwest growers, informs every seed we produce.

Generations of seed production, coupled with rigorous trialing in partnership with regional farmers, have enabled us to offer seeds that are exceptionally well-suited to the Midwest's unique growing environment.

Our commitment goes beyond just supplying seeds. We strive to ensure that Midwest farmers and gardeners like you have access to seeds that are not only well-adapted to our region but also capable of producing outstanding yields. Each generation of seeds we cultivate here in the Midwest—rather than in distant, climatically different regions—enhances the adaptability and performance of our varieties, setting them apart from those offered by many other seed companies.

Additionally, our collaboration with small local farms for most of our seed production is a testament to our dedication to strengthening the Midwest's food system. This approach not only supports local agriculture but also avoids the need to rely on large-scale production facilities in distant locations, whether out West or abroad.

We ship anywhere in the lower 48 states of the US via USPS.

All sales are final and we do not accept returns or exchanges except in the case of delivering the wrong item or recalling specific seed lots due to contamination. For wholesale customers who purchase our pre-filled bundles, we will provide a credit for the following season’s order for any packets returned by October 1st. 

See our full store policies