Butterfly Weed

Description:

Commonly known as Butterfly Weed because adult butterflies are attracted to the plant by its color and nectar, it is also an important larval food plant. Like most milkweeds, Monarchs (Danaus plexippus) are one of the species of butterflies you can find living on this plant, as well as Queens (Danaus gilippus) and Gray Hairstreaks (Strymon melinus).

Habitat:

USA: AL , AR , AZ , CA , CO , CT , DC , DE , FL , GA , IA , IL , IN , KS , KY , LA , MA , MD , ME , MI , MN , MO , MS , NC , NE , NH , NJ , NM , NY , OH , OK , PA , RI , SC , SD , TN , TX , UT , VA , VT , WI , WV Canada: NB , NL , NS , ON , QC Native Distribution: Ontario to Newfoundland; New England south to Florida; west to Texas; north through Colorado to Minnesota. Native Habitat: Grows in prairies, open woods, canyons, and hillsides throughout most of the state, common in eastern two thirds of Texas, uncommon in the Hill Country. Plant in well-drained sand, loam, clay, or limestone.

Notes:

Spotted near Keown Falls at Johns Mountain Wildlife Management Area