Munching on Milkweed & Planting

As the exclusive source of food for monarchs, milkweed, is critical for their survival.  Their life cycle couldn't be fulfilled and populations would be decreased without this important plant.  One of the best ways we can make a difference for monarchs is to plant milkweed.  There are a variety of species of milkweed and finding the one best for your geographic area is wise.  

The good news is that planting milkweed is one of the easiest ways that each of us can make a difference for monarchs. There are several dozen species of this wildflower native to North America, so no matter where you live, there is at least one milkweed species naturally found in your area.  Three species have particularly wide ranges and are good choices in most regions: common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca), swamp milkweed (A. incarnata), and butterflyweed (A. tuberosa). The latter two are highly ornamental and widely available via the nursery trade.  Tropical milkweed is not native yet has become more acclimated for monarchs in the southeastern part of the US.  It is important with this variety to trim it back in the winter to encourage our monarch friends to continue traveling south for the winter roost.  Milkweed returns each year and adding it to our yards, community gardens, and schools is a simple gesture that can support this amazing butterfly species!