Side-by-side plant comparison — which is right for your garden?
Malus domestica
Rosaceae · trees
Asclepias tuberosa
Apocynaceae · flowers
Apple Tree (Zones 3-8)
Butterfly Weed (Zones 3-9)
Overlap: Both grow in zones 3–8
| Feature | Apple Tree | Butterfly Weed |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Malus domestica | Asclepias tuberosa |
| Family | Rosaceae | Apocynaceae |
| Category | trees | flowers |
| Sun | ☀️ Full Sun | ☀️ Full Sun |
| Water | 💧💧 Medium | 💧 Low |
| Soil | Rich, Well-drained | Well-drained, Sandy |
| Height | 25' | 2' 6" |
| Spread | 20' | 1' 6" |
| Bloom Season | Spring | Summer |
| Bloom Color | White, Pink | Orange |
| Growth Rate | Medium | Medium |
| Native Region | Central Asia | Eastern North America |
| Maintenance | Medium | Low |
Apple Tree
Butterfly Weed
Apple Tree
Butterfly Weed
Choose Apple Tree if you don't mind medium maintenance. It thrives in full sun with medium water in zones 3–8.
Choose Butterfly Weed if you want a low-maintenance plant, need drought tolerance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun with low water in zones 3–9.
Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 3–8. They share similar sun requirements (full sun), making them potential garden companions.
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