Name: Asclepias tuberosa (Butterfly Weed)

Average Landscape Size: 2–3 ft tall × 1–2 ft wide; upright, clumping habit (can reach 3–4 ft unpruned)

Sun Requirements: Full sun; requires at least 6 hours direct sunlight

Water Needs: Low; extremely drought tolerant, avoid overwatering

Deer Resistance: High

Cold Hardiness: USDA Zones 3–9; herbaceous perennial, dies back in Willis winters, returns in spring

Fertilization & Pruning: No fertilizer needed; cut back to ground in late winter, leave seed pods for wildlife

Detailed Description: This is your essential native Butterfly Weed in assorted colors – you might get vibrant orange, red, or yellow blooms! Most folks keep these at 2–3 feet, but they can reach 3–4 feet naturally. What makes this plant absolutely crucial? It's the primary host plant for monarch butterflies – without it, monarchs can't complete their life cycle! Here in Willis, it's perfectly adapted and incredibly drought tolerant once established. The stunning summer blooms attract butterflies and other pollinators like crazy. Being native Texas, it thrives in our heat and actually prefers our well-draining soils! In winter, expect it to completely die back to the ground – don't panic, this is normal! The strong root system survives our winters and sends up new growth each spring, often returning even more robust!