Flower:

Flat-topped clusters 2 to 3 inches across of up to 25 flowers. Flowers are about 3/8-inch across, have a 5-parted crown with a curved horn projecting from the center of each of the 5 cylindrical hoods, arching over the short column in the center. 5 downward-curved petals flare out beneath. Flower color is primarily orange, but ranges from orange-yellow to red, usually with a yellow central column.

Leaves and stems:

 Leaves are 2 to 6 inches long, about 1 inch wide, toothless, finely hairy especially along the veins on the underside, somewhat glossy on the upper surface, pointed at the tip with little or no stalk, and often crowded on the stem. Attachment is mostly alternate though may be opposite on branches. Stems are stout and densely hairy. A plant can take on a bushy appearance from multiple stems and branches.

Fruit:

 Erect narrow spindle-shaped pod about 6 inches long, covered in fine hairs. One plant often has a cluster of several pods. Seeds are large and brown with white silken “parachutes” to carry them away in the wind.

Notes:

Butterfly-weed is often found along railroad beds growing in clumps, in dry fields and prairies and along roadsides. A host plant for Monarch butterfly caterpillars, the flower is a favorite for many other butterflies as well. It makes a fantastic garden plant with a long bloom season and an eye-popping color you don't see in many species. All Asclepias were formerly in family Asclepiadaceae but have been reassigned to Apocynaceae (Dogbane).