Butterfly Milkweed - Asclepias tuberosa
 
Asclepias tuberosa, common name Butterfly Milkweed, is a native perennial that grows along roadsides, fields, and prairies through much of the eastern half of the United States. Butterfly milkweed growth habit is typically clump forming with flower umbels of bright orange to yellow/orange. In addition, it is an excellent pollinator plant and is a favored nectar source for many butterflies as well as a host plant for the Monarch Butterfly. Also called pleurisy root, Butterfly Milkweed has a history of medicinal use intreating lung inflammation. They are effective ornamentals when used in sunny borders or mass plantings. It grows easily in average, well-drained soils in full sun and tolerates drought conditions.
 
Photo: Emerson Sapienza