Asclepias speciosa is a species of flowering plant that belongs to the milkweed family. It is commonly referred to as showy milkweed due to its striking blooms and is known for attracting pollinators like butterflies and bees. There are several synonyms for Asclepias speciosa, including butterfly weed, orange milkweed, and pleurisy root. The name butterfly weed comes from its ability to attract butterflies, while orange milkweed also refers to the plant's striking orange flowers. Pleurisy root is a reference to the plant's historical use in herbal medicine to treat respiratory conditions like pleurisy. Regardless of the name, Asclepias speciosa is a stunning and valuable addition to any garden or natural area.