Milkweed for Monarchs
By planting Milkweed in your yard you can be a Monarch Butterfly hero, and help these amazing animals in their fight to thrive!
The Monarch Butterfly is a stunning addition to the Northeast wildlife community each summer. Their arrival each year is much awaited by many, and appreciated by all who encounter them.
Sadly, Monarch Butterfly populations have been declining over the past two decades. One key reason is the sharp decline in milkweed plants. This decline is due to herbicide use and the conversion of grasslands and meadows for development.
Monarch Butterflies only lay their eggs on milkweed plants. They do this because their caterpillars get toxins from eating milkweed leaves. This provides protection from predators for the caterpillars and the adult butterflies.
You can make a big impact by planting milkweed in your yard. Encourage your friends and neighbors to join you, too!
By doing so, you’ll also attract Monarch Butterflies, many other butterflies, and so much more. For example, over 450 insects have been recorded feeding on common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca).
There are over 70 milkweed species native to the U.S. including over a dozen here in the Northeast. Each species has its own specific preferences related to sun and soil moisture, and when they bloom.
We recommend visiting a local plant nursery. Their staff can help you choose the best species for your yard and advise you on when and where to plant them.