Plants Monarch Butterflies Like

Why Planting for Monarchs is Important

As you may know, monarch butterflies are in trouble. Their populations have declined significantly over the past few decades due to habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change. However, there is still hope for these beautiful creatures. By planting specific types of plants that monarchs need to survive, we can help support their populations and ensure their continued existence.

The Top Plants Monarch Butterflies Love

Here are some of the best plants to include in your garden if you want to attract monarch butterflies:

Milkweed

Milkweed is probably the most well-known plant when it comes to monarch butterflies. It's the only plant that monarch caterpillars eat, so it's essential for their survival. There are many different species of milkweed to choose from, including swamp milkweed, butterfly weed, and common milkweed. All are great options for attracting monarchs.

Zinnias

Zinnias are colorful annual flowers that monarchs love. They provide nectar for adult butterflies and are easy to grow from seed. Plus, they come in a variety of colors, so you can choose the ones that will look best in your garden.

Asters

Asters are another great option for attracting monarch butterflies. They bloom in the fall, which is when monarchs are migrating south for the winter. Asters provide nectar for the butterflies as they make their journey.

Goldenrod

Goldenrod is a tall, yellow-flowered plant that blooms in the late summer and early fall. It's a great source of nectar for monarchs and other pollinators. Plus, it's a hardy plant that can withstand drought and other harsh conditions.

Liatris

Liatris, also known as blazing star, is a tall, spiky plant that blooms in the summer. It's another great source of nectar for monarchs and other pollinators. Liatris is easy to grow and comes in a variety of colors, including purple and white.

Other Plants to Consider

In addition to the plants listed above, there are many other options for attracting monarch butterflies to your garden. Here are a few more to consider:

Coneflowers

Coneflowers, also known as echinacea, are a popular choice for butterfly gardens. They come in a variety of colors and provide nectar for adult butterflies.

Black-Eyed Susans

Black-eyed susans are bright yellow flowers that bloom in the summer. They're a great source of nectar for monarchs and other pollinators.

Bee Balm

Bee balm, also known as monarda, is a fragrant plant that attracts both butterflies and bees. It comes in a variety of colors and blooms in the summer.

Designing Your Butterfly Garden

When designing a garden to attract monarch butterflies, it's important to keep a few key things in mind. First, you'll want to choose plants that bloom at different times throughout the season so that there's always a source of nectar available for the butterflies. You'll also want to include a variety of plants with different heights and textures to provide shelter and resting places for the butterflies. Finally, be sure to avoid using pesticides and herbicides in your garden, as these can be harmful to monarchs and other pollinators.

Planting Milkweed

If you're planting milkweed specifically to attract monarch butterflies, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, it's important to choose the right species of milkweed for your region. Monarchs prefer native species, so check with your local nursery or garden center for recommendations. Second, be sure to plant enough milkweed to support a healthy population of caterpillars. Finally, avoid using pesticides and herbicides on or near your milkweed plants.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How can I tell if a butterfly is a monarch?

Monarch butterflies are easily recognized by their bright orange wings with black veins and white spots. They also have a distinctive black border around the edges of their wings.

2. Do all species of milkweed attract monarchs?

No, not all species of milkweed are attractive to monarch butterflies. If you're planting milkweed specifically for monarchs, be sure to choose a species that they prefer, such as common milkweed, swamp milkweed, or butterfly weed.

3. What should I do if I find a monarch caterpillar?

If you find a monarch caterpillar, the best thing to do is leave it alone. It will eventually form a chrysalis and emerge as an adult butterfly. If you want to help support the caterpillar's survival, you can provide it with fresh milkweed leaves to eat.

4. Can I plant non-native species in my butterfly garden?

While native plants are generally the best choice for attracting and supporting native pollinators like monarch butterflies, non-native species can also be beneficial. Just be sure to do your research and choose plants that are not invasive and do not require excessive water or other resources.

5. What else can I do to help monarch butterflies?

In addition to planting a butterfly garden, there are many other things you can do to support monarch butterflies. You can participate in citizen science projects that track monarch populations, advocate for policies that protect monarch habitat, and reduce your use of pesticides and herbicides.