Butterfly Gardening Web Sites
Butterfly gardens are easy to plant, and you can design one that gives
monarchs habitat throughout their breeding cycle. As with all butterflies,
you should grow plants that will:
the eggs and feed the larvae ("caterpillar plants")
nectar to adult butterflies ("nectar plants").
is the monarch's larval plant. It is the host for egg-laying and
the food for the larvae. Here are a few milkweed species you may
be able to plant in your region:
Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata)
Milkweed (Asclepias speciosa)
Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca)
weed (Asclepias tuberosa)
monarchs will be attracted to gardens that provide nectar for
them. Be sure to choose varieties of flowers that have early and
late blooming times, so that nectar sources will be available
throughout the season. Here are some favorite nectaring plants.
such as "Autumn Joy"
Avoid using chemical insecticides and fertilizers on your plants. They
may harm the butterflies.
One of the best things you can do for your garden (and for monarchs)
is to plant a garden using native (indigeneous) plants that are appropriate
for your area. Once established, native plants do not need fertilizers,
herbicides, pesticides or watering. They benefit the environment and reduce
maintenance costs. Contact your local garden center and/or extension office
for more information or check out the links below:
To The Locals
Your local garden center or county extension service may have particular
suggestions for good nectar plants for your area, so be sure to contact
Don't Forget the Water!
A source of water for butterflies can also be a good idea, but it is important
to provide the butterflies with a safe landing place to drink from. Common
drinking spots for butterflies are moist sand or mud.