Butterfly weed comes by its name rightfully. When the bright orange flowers are in bloom in mid-summer, butterflies delight in this member of the milkweed family.

Because it is a milkweed, it can also serve as a host plant for monarch butterfly caterpillars. Look for the genus Asclepias. It is easy to find along the wildflower trail in mid-summer.

Butterfly weed is normally available at local plant nurseries. Don't confuse butterfly weed (often called butterfly flower so people don't think they are paying good money for weeds) with butterfly bush. Butterfly bush is popular, but can become aggressive and invasive.

Butterfly weed is accustomed to dry conditions, so don't overwater after it has become established.