Pleurisy weed (Asclepius tuberosa) is better known in parts of the country as butterfly weed. The plant is a variety of milkweed native to eastern North America. It's a popular plant in country gardens, and is known to attract butterflies, particularly monarchs. Much of the plant is edible, including the young shoots, flower buds and stems. The milkweed fibers can be used to make fabric or rope.