Relief for Weary Monarch Butterflies

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Common milkweed (Asclepias syriacus) can be invasive, but you won’t have this problem with swamp milkweed (A. incarnata) or bright orange butterfly weed (A. tuberosa). Swamp milkweed is available in colors ranging from deep pink to white, and monarchs often prefer it over other species. You can buy a seed and information kit for $16 from Monarch Watch, or purchase plants from a native plant nursery. Click here for a list of mail-order nurseries that sell two or more species of well-behaved milkweeds as well as other good nectar plants, organized by state.

Monarch Waystations are most needed in large cities, Taylor says. Noting that many city gardening groups are planting rain gardens to help solve runoff and water pollution problems, Taylor sees an opportunity to help monarchs at the same time. “As long as people are putting in rain gardens, they can slip a few milkweeds in.” Taylor is also working with highway departments to encourage roadside planting of milkweed and nectar plants.

Certified Monarch Waystations earn the privilege of displaying the Waystation sign, and become part of the International Monarch Waystation Registry. But anyone can help monarchs simply by planting a few milkweeds or nectar plants. You’ll be graced with these beautiful butterflies year after year.

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