Butterfly milkweed

Asclepias tuberosa L.

Pet & Human Safety

People: Toxic to people (low severity)Pets: Toxic to pets

Hazardous parts

Flowers, Fruits, Leaves, Roots, Sap/Juice, Stems

Preparation

Not applicable; this is an ornamental plant.

Hazard type

NC State rates poison severity Low. Eaten in quantity it can cause stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, weakness, lethargy and confusion. The sap can cause contact dermatitis and eye irritation. Toxic principle given as cardiac glycosides and resinoids.

Hazard route

ingestion in quantity, and sap touching skin or eyes

How complete this information is

The safety information on this page is partial. Where a source covers a point, it is shown; where none does, the page says so.

Toxic to pets

Pet verdict: ASPCA's page covers the whole genus, not this species alone.

PlotAndPetal cannot tell you whether a plant you found can be eaten. Only someone who can see the plant can identify it.

Poison control

If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.

Naturalist Lore

Historical Background & Breeding Lore

The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.

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Care

Hardiness zones: Not checked yet
Light: Full sun, with partial shade also listed (NC State Extension).
Water needs: low
Mature size: 1 to 3 feet tall in clumps (NC State description); the attribute list gives 1 to 2 feet tall and 1 to 1.5 feet wide.

Soil & Drainage

Pruning & Flush Rhythm

Feeding Schedule

How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.

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