butterfly weed

[ buht-er-flahy weed ]

noun

1. Also called or·ange milk·weed [awr, -inj , milk, -weed, or, -]. a North American milkweed, Asclepias tuberosa, having clusters of bright orange flowers.
2. an erect North American plant, Gaura coccinea, of the evening primrose family, having wandlike spikes of white to pink flowers turning red with age.

butterfly weed

noun

1. a North American asclepiadaceous plant, Asclepias tuberosa (or A. decumbens ), having flat-topped clusters of bright orange flowers Also calledorange milkweedpleurisy root

Word History and Origins

Origin of butterfly weed¹

An Americanism dating back to 1810–20

Example Sentences

The highest were the white tufts of yarrow and butterfly-weed—the flaming milkweed that drew you like a magnet.

From Project Gutenberg

The butterfly-weed, with its brilliant scarlet flowers, attracted flocks of butterflies and made fine masses of color.

From Project Gutenberg

Infusum asclepiadis tuberos, L. From the root of butterfly weed or pleurisy root (Asclepias tuberosa).

From Project Gutenberg

The milkweed or butterfly weed already mentioned is another example of a flower adapted to insect pollination.

From Project Gutenberg

A humming-bird is fanning the butterfly-weed, and he looks on with interest not unmixed with fear.

From Project Gutenberg