Asclepias tuberosa

A native North American wildflower, this is the primary source of food for the both the adult and juvenile Monarch Butterfly, and is often included in butterfly gardens. Plants form an upright clump of narrow green leaves, bearing showy clusters of orange or gold flowers in mid to late summer. The seed pods that follow are used in dried arrangements, and should be picked and dried while still green. Very late to come up in the spring, so mark the spot by planting daffodils or other companion bulbs. Needs well-drained sandy soil. Chosen as the 2017 Perennial Plant of the Year by The Perennial Plant Association. CAUTION: Harmful if eaten.