Planting a specific species, yet to be specified, can aid the survival of endangered monarch butterflies. It's not too late to incorporate this plant into your garden for this summer.
The monarch butterfly, a vibrant and iconic species, embarks on a remarkable journey each summer, traveling 3,000 miles from parts of the U.S. and Canada to central Mexico [1]. One simple yet effective way to aid this incredible migration and boost the monarch butterfly population is by planting milkweed in gardens.
Milkweed is the only plant where female monarchs lay their eggs, and its leaves are the exclusive food source for monarch caterpillars during their larval stage [4]. By providing this critical habitat and nourishment, you can support the growth of caterpillars into butterflies and create safe waypoints along their migration routes.
Key reasons why growing milkweed benefits monarchs include:
- Larval host plant: Monarch caterpillars feed solely on milkweed leaves, which provide essential nutrients and chemical compounds that make them toxic to predators, enhancing their survival chances [3][4].
- Vital habitat: Milkweeds offer a safe place for monarchs to reproduce. Native milkweed species adapted to local environments also support related butterflies and other pollinators, contributing to ecosystem health [1][5].
- Supports migration: Since monarchs migrate over long distances, widespread milkweed plantings create a network of “stepping stones” where they can lay eggs and feed during their journey, improving migration success and population sustainability [1].
- Biodiversity and pest management: Milkweed also supports beneficial insects that help control pests, further contributing to pollinator environments [5].
Spring is an ideal time to plant milkweed, but it can be done at any time. Milkweed is a perennial plant and should return next spring. If you're growing milkweed in containers, use a large enough pot and give them plenty of sun on a patio or terrace.
Habitat loss, due to agricultural development, wildfires, and urban sprawl, has led to the disappearance of milkweed, the host plant for monarch caterpillars. This decline in native milkweed habitats is one of the biggest reasons for the recent sharp decline in monarch butterfly numbers, as stated by butterfly expert and writer Kylee Baumle [6].
Luckily, the monarch is an extremely resilient insect and has recovered in the past, depending on the restoration of their native habitat in the U.S. and Canada, as well as favorable weather conditions during their breeding season [7]. Live milkweed plants are available now via Amazon, making it easy for everyone to contribute to this vital conservation effort.
In addition to benefiting monarch butterflies, growing milkweed can attract other wildlife to your garden, such as orioles and redwing blackbirds during October and November [2]. Choose a milkweed variety that suits your region and US hardiness zone for the best results.
Kylee Baumle, an avid gardener, freelance writer, and the author of "The Monarch: Saving Our Most-Loved Butterfly," encourages everyone to support wildlife garden ideas by growing milkweed for monarch butterflies [8]. She also leads annual tours to Mexico to see the monarch butterflies in their overwintering location [9].
By growing milkweed, you can directly sustain monarch reproduction and larval development, which are critical stages for maintaining and increasing monarch butterfly populations and ensuring their successful migration. Let's work together to help these beautiful creatures thrive.
References: 1. https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2021/03/05/975391027/monarch-butterflies-are-back-in-california-but-their-numbers-remain-dismally-low 2. https://www.xerces.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Monarch-Milkweed-Planting-Guide-2021.pdf 3. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-78897-z 4. https://www.butterflygarden.com/monarch-butterfly-life-cycle/ 5. https://www.audubon.org/news/monarch-butterfly-conservation-what-you-can-do 6. https://www.npr.org/2021/03/05/975391027/monarch-butterflies-are-back-in-california-but-their-numbers-remain-dismally-low 7. https://www.amazon.com/Monarch-Saving-Our-Loved-Butterfly/dp/163157339X 8. https://www.amazon.com/Monarch-Saving-Our-Loved-Butterfly/dp/163157339X 9. https://www.butterflygarden.com/monarch-butterfly-life-cycle/
- To support the growth of monarch butterflies, consider incorporating environmental-science principles into your home-and-garden lifestyle by planting milkweed, as it serves as a crucial larval host plant, providing necessary nutrients and chemical compounds to boost their survival.
- Beyond aiding monarch butterflies, growing milkweed can enrich your garden environment by attracting various wildlife species, such as orioles and redwing blackbirds, during specific seasons.
- In line with Kylee Baumle's suggestions for wildlife-friendly garden ideas, grow milkweed not only to contribute to the conservation effort of monarch butterflies but also to sustain their reproduction and larval development, a vital step towards enhancing the population and ensuring their successful migration.
