Save the Monarch Butterfly
Create a pollinator garden to help save the endangered Monarch butterfly. Learn how to plant milkweed for caterpillars and support bees, hummingbirds, and other essential pollinators.
The Monarch Crisis
Habitat Loss
Milkweed has been eradicated from farmland by herbicides, and urban development has destroyed native prairie habitat.
Pesticide Use
Insecticides kill caterpillars directly, while systemic pesticides like neonicotinoids remain in plants and harm pollinators.
Climate Change
Extreme weather events, drought, and shifting seasons disrupt migration timing and milkweed availability.
Illegal Logging
Deforestation in Mexican oyamel fir forests destroys critical overwintering habitat for eastern Monarchs.
Milkweed is the ONLY plant that Monarch caterpillars can eat. Unlike adult butterflies that can drink nectar from many flowers, Monarch larvae are completely dependent on milkweed for survival.
- Female Monarchs lay eggs exclusively on milkweed leaves
- Each caterpillar eats 20-30 leaves over 2 weeks
- Toxins in milkweed make caterpillars poisonous to predators
- No milkweed = no Monarchs. It's that simple.
The Monarch Life Cycle
Egg
3-5 daysFemale Monarchs lay tiny white eggs (smaller than a pinhead) on the underside of milkweed leaves. A single female can lay 300-500 eggs.
Caterpillar (Larva)
10-14 daysThe caterpillar hatches and eats its egg shell, then begins devouring milkweed leaves. It molts 5 times, growing from 2mm to 5cm. The distinctive yellow, white, and black stripes warn predators of toxicity.
Chrysalis (Pupa)
8-15 daysThe caterpillar forms a jade-green chrysalis with gold spots. Inside, its body completely transforms into a butterfly through metamorphosis.
Adult Butterfly
2-6 weeks (summer) or 8-9 months (migratory)The adult emerges, pumps fluid into its wings, and takes flight within hours. Summer generations breed and die within weeks. The fall "super generation" migrates up to 3,000 miles and lives 8-9 months.
Native Milkweed Species
Always choose milkweed species native to your region. Native plants have co-evolved with local Monarchs and support the healthiest populations.
The most important species for eastern Monarchs. Large, fragrant pink flower clusters attract many pollinators. Spreads by rhizomes to form colonies. Grows 3-6 feet tall.
Perfect for rain gardens and moist areas. Pink or white flowers on well-behaved clumps that don't spread aggressively. Great for smaller gardens.
Stunning orange flowers make this a garden favorite. Compact, drought-tolerant, and long-lived. Deep taproot makes it drought-resistant but difficult to transplant.
The western equivalent of Common Milkweed. Large, woolly leaves and dramatic pink-white star-shaped flowers. Essential for western Monarch populations.
Delicate, thread-like leaves create an airy texture. Small white flowers. Excellent for mixed borders where other milkweeds might be too bold.
Asclepias curassavica
Disrupts Migration
Tropical milkweed doesn't die back in warm climates, encouraging Monarchs to stop migrating and breed year-round instead of flying to Mexico.
OE Parasite Buildup
The parasite Ophryocystis elektroscirrha (OE) accumulates on leaves that persist year-round, infecting caterpillars with debilitating spores.
Not Native
Tropical milkweed is not native to North America and can become invasive in some regions, displacing native plants.
Exception: If you're in a region with freezing winters (zones 7 and colder), tropical milkweed dies back naturally and poses less risk. However, native species are always preferable.
Growing Milkweed from Seed
Collect or Purchase Seeds
Harvest pods when they're dry and starting to split, or buy seeds from native plant nurseries. Ensure seeds are fresh (within 1-2 years).
Cold Stratify Seeds
Place seeds in a damp paper towel inside a plastic bag. Refrigerate for 4-8 weeks (longer for some species). This mimics winter conditions.
Prepare Planting Site
Choose a sunny location with well-draining soil. Milkweed tolerates poor soil but needs good drainage. Clear competing vegetation.
Plant in Spring
After stratification, plant seeds 1/4" deep when soil temps reach 60°F. Or fall-sow unstratified seeds and let winter do the work.
Be Patient
Germination takes 2-4 weeks. First-year plants focus on root development and may not bloom. Plants reach full size in year 2-3.
Minimal Care
Once established, milkweed needs little care. Don't fertilize heavily (promotes leaves over flowers). Allow natural spreading.
Tip: Link to our Seed Starting Guide for detailed stratification instructions.
Nectar Plants for Adult Butterflies
Adult Monarchs need nectar from flowers throughout their active season. Plant a variety that blooms spring through fall, especially late-season flowers for migrating butterflies.
- Wild BergamotMonarda fistulosaNative bee magnet
- PhloxPhlox paniculataLong bloom period
- ColumbineAquilegia canadensisHummingbird favorite
- Purple ConeflowerEchinacea purpureaEssential monarch plant
- Black-eyed SusanRudbeckia hirtaEasy to grow from seed
- Bee BalmMonarda didymaHummingbirds love it
- Joe-Pye WeedEutrochium purpureumTall (6-7 ft), dramatic
- MilkweedAsclepias speciesHost AND nectar plant
- New England AsterSymphyotrichum novae-angliaeCritical fall fuel for migration
- GoldenrodSolidago speciesDoes NOT cause allergies
- IronweedVernonia speciesTall, late bloomer
- Sedum (Stonecrop)Hylotelephium speciesDrought tolerant
Other Pollinators You'll Support
A Monarch garden benefits many other essential pollinators. Here's who else will thank you.
Designing Your Pollinator Garden
Milkweed Patch
The heart of your Monarch garden. Plant at least 10-20 milkweed plants in a sunny location. Include 2-3 species for varied bloom times.
Nectar Corridor
A continuous succession of blooming native flowers from spring through fall. Group same species together for efficient foraging.
Basking Stones
Flat rocks in sunny spots where butterflies can warm their wings. Essential for cold mornings.
Water Source
A shallow dish with pebbles and water, or a muddy puddle. Butterflies "puddle" to get minerals and moisture.
Shelter
Shrubs, tall grasses, or brush piles for protection from wind, rain, and predators.
Overwintering Habitat
Leave leaf litter, dead stems, and bare ground for native bees and other insects to overwinter.
Do's and Don'ts
- Plant native milkweed species for your region
- Include nectar plants blooming spring through fall
- Plant in groups/drifts (easier for pollinators to find)
- Provide water, shelter, and basking spots
- Leave some "messy" areas for overwintering
- Let milkweed spread naturally
- Tolerate some caterpillar damage (that's the point!)
- Register your garden as a Monarch Waystation
- Use pesticides, herbicides, or systemic insecticides
- Plant tropical milkweed (disrupts migration)
- Remove milkweed with caterpillars on it
- Buy plants treated with neonicotinoids
- Mow or cut back milkweed during growing season
- Create a sterile, manicured garden with no habitat
- Rely solely on non-native "butterfly bush"
- Collect wild Monarchs or raise them indoors
Every Garden Counts
Even a small patch of milkweed can make a difference. Plant native, avoid pesticides, and become part of the solution to save the Monarch butterfly.