Asclepias tuberosa | butterfly weed

Asclepias tuberosa, commonly known as butterfly weed, is a vibrant perennial native to North America's grasslands and prairies. Thriving in well-drained soils, it often blooms in open fields and along roadsides. This species is a pivotal part of its ecosystem, notably supporting pollinators such as monarch butterflies, whose larvae rely exclusively on milkweed plants for food. The plant’s bright orange flowers provide essential nectar for various pollinators and hold cultural significance for Native American tribes, who have used it for medicinal purposes and as a fiber source. Butterfly weed, however, is under threat. As its habitats, such as the coastal prairies of Louisiana, are diminished by agricultural expansion and urban development, the unique genetics of local variants face the risk of disappearing. This decline is exacerbated by pesticide use, which harms both the plant and its dependent species.

This is a Certificate of Ensurance. Each Certificate represents a share in the BASIN Protocol, which ensures the perpetual protection of nature.