Pleurisy Root

(Asclepias tuberosa)

A beacon of fiery orange, Pleurisy Root (Asclepias tuberosa) stands resilient in sun-drenched fields, prairies, and roadsides, its vibrant blooms an irresistible call to pollinators and herbalists alike. This North American native, belonging to the milkweed family (Apocynaceae), has long been revered for its medicinal potency, ecological significance, and striking beauty in the landscape.

History & Folklore

Pleurisy Root’s use as a medicinal plant predates European colonization, with Indigenous peoples, particularly the Cherokee, Meskwaki, and Iroquois, employing its roots to treat respiratory ailments, digestive disturbances, and inflammation. The plant was traditionally prepared as a decoction or infusion, often combined with other botanicals to ease lung congestion and promote sweating.

European settlers quickly recognized its value, incorporating it into early American Eclectic Medicine, where it became a staple remedy for pleurisy (inflammation of the lung lining), bronchitis, and pneumonia. In the 19th century, it was listed in the United States Pharmacopoeia as an expectorant and diaphoretic, solidifying its place in formal herbal practice.

Commonly known as "Butterfly Weed," this name reflects its vital role in supporting butterfly populations, particularly monarchs, which rely on milkweed species as host plants. Unlike its relatives, Pleurisy Root lacks the milky latex sap characteristic of other milkweeds, making it unique among its kin.

Botanical Description

Pleurisy Root is a perennial herb native to eastern and central North America, thriving in dry, well-drained soils. It grows between one to three feet tall, with lance-shaped, alternate leaves and clusters of bright orange, star-shaped flowers that bloom from late spring to early fall. After flowering, it produces slender seed pods, which split open to release silky-tufted seeds carried by the wind. Adapted to harsh conditions, it is a cornerstone species in prairie restoration projects and pollinator gardens.

Medicinal Uses

Traditionally, Pleurisy Root has been valued as a pulmonary tonic, particularly for its expectorant, diaphoretic, and antispasmodic properties. It encourages the expulsion of mucus from the lungs, promotes sweating to aid in breaking fevers, relaxes bronchial and intestinal muscle spasms, and reduces inflammation when applied topically or taken internally. In Eclectic Medicine, it was a favored remedy for pleurisy, bronchitis, and influenza, and while it is less commonly used today, modern herbalists still include it in lung-supportive formulas.

Cultivation & Growing from Seed

Pleurisy Root is a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant perennial that thrives in full sun and sandy, well-drained soils. It is an essential addition to pollinator gardens, attracting bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies while remaining resistant to deer and rabbits. Unlike many garden perennials, it prefers poor, dry soils and should not be overwatered.

Growing Pleurisy Root from seed requires cold stratification to mimic winter conditions and improve germination rates. Seeds should be planted in late fall or pre-treated by refrigerating them in moist sand for four to six weeks before spring planting. Once sown, they need light to germinate, so they should be pressed gently into the soil rather than buried. Germination can be slow, sometimes taking several weeks to emerge. Once established, the deep taproot makes it highly drought-resistant but also difficult to transplant, so choosing a permanent growing location is essential.

Value in the Garden

Beyond its medicinal uses, Pleurisy Root plays a critical role in ecological restoration. As a host plant for monarch butterflies, it contributes to the survival of these declining pollinators. Its extended bloom period provides a steady nectar source for bees and hummingbirds. In garden design, its vivid orange blossoms contrast beautifully with purple coneflowers, blazing star, and black-eyed Susans, making it a striking choice for native plant gardens, xeriscapes, and meadow plantings. Its ability to thrive in poor soil conditions makes it an excellent candidate for difficult, dry areas where other plants struggle.

Bibliography

Foster, Steven & Duke, James A. A Field Guide to Medicinal Plants and Herbs of Eastern and Central North America. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2014.

Moerman, Daniel E. Native American Ethnobotany. Timber Press, 1998.

King, John & Felter, Harvey Wickes. King's American Dispensatory. Eclectic Medical Publications, 1898.

United States Dispensatory. The Dispensatory of the United States of America. J.B. Lippincott, 1918.

Cullina, William. Wildflowers: A Guide to Growing and Propagating Native Flowers of North America. Houghton Mifflin, 2000.