Save Our Monarchs

Spotlight on the Eastern Black Swallowtail

3/26/2024

50 Comments

Chances are, if you grow any plant from the Carrot family (parsley, rue, celery, fennel, dill, golden alexander etc.) then may have seen this caterpillar eating on your plants or butterfly flitting around your garden!

Some people regard them as "worms" or "pests" but the truth is, they are important pollinators and the caterpillars that will turn into a beautiful butterfly one day, the Black Swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes)!

Read on to learn about these fascinating butterflies and how to live harmoniously with them in your garden!

Eastern Black Swallowtail nectaring on a zinnia. Photo by Rebecca Chandler

Among the favorite nectar plants of the Eastern Black Swallowtail are milkweed, zinnias, native thistles, cone flowers, sunflowers and many others.

Monarch vs Black Swallowtail

People often confuse the Black Swallowtail caterpillar with Monarch caterpillars, especially when they look the most similar, in their 5th Instar. There are some main differences to look out for.

The Black Swallowtail caterpillars have thicker, green stripes and yellow, wavy "dots". They also don't have the long tentacles on their head and tail end like Monarch caterpillars do.

The most telltale sign is that Monarch will be eating on Milkweed while Eastern Swallowtails will be nibbling on plants of the Carrot family (dill, fennel, rue, Queen Anne's lace, celery, parsley etc.)

Host Plants of the Eastern Black Swallowtail

Adult Eastern Black Swallowtails will lay eggs on plants in the Carrot family. You may find the caterpillars eating on these plants in great numbers but don't be alarmed! There are several ways to keep the caterpillars happy while also saving some of the plant for yourself!

How to keep the caterpillars happy and not lose all of your plants or resort to using pesticides!

1. Plant extra dill or fennel so that there is enough for them and you to eat.
2. Pick the caterpillars off of the plant and put them into a butterfly enclosure with the host plant to watch them pupate and eclose into a beautiful butterfly.
3. Successional planting of dill/fennel/parsley etc. throughout the summer so there is always enough to go around.

Lifecycle of the Black Swallowtail

Similar to the Monarch butterfly: The female butterfly lays one yellow egg at a time on a host plant. After 4-9 days, a caterpillar (larva) hatches from the egg. Over 10-30 days, the caterpillar grows through 5 different stages (called instars) to a length of 2 inches.

Male vs Female

The male features a large row of yellow-colored spots across the middle of its wings. The female has smaller spots, but a larger area of blue scales on the lower wings.

Female Black Swallowtail (Top) with more blue visible. Male Black Swallowtail (Bottom) with more yellow visible. Photo by Rebecca Chandler

FUN FACT

When provoked, Black Swallowtail caterpillar will emit a disagreeable odor through their osmeteria, a V-shaped orange protrusion on their heads!

50 Comments

Spotlight on Common Milkweed

1/21/2024

73 Comments

There are a number of reasons we love Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) which is why we include them in almost all of our seed packets!

To name just a few: It is resilient, easy to grow, and Monarchs LOVE it.
We've compiled your FAQ into one article so we can help to answer all your questions about Common Milkweed!

Who feeds on Common Milkweed?

It is among the most important food sources for monarch butterfly caterpillars (Danaus plexippus) in the northeastern and midwestern United States.
Not only does it benefit our beloved Monarch Butterflies, but more than 450 insect species feed on A. syriaca, including flies, beetles, ants, bees, wasps, and butterflies.

Refer to the above map by the Xerxes Society for a visual of Common Milkweed's Native Range. The dark green represents where it is native and commonly occurs. The bright green represents where it is reported to commonly occur naturally.

Where is Common Milkweed NOT Native?

It's easiest to start where Common Milkweed is NOT native since it's native range covers 39 US states and several Canadian provinces.

If you live in California, Colorado, Florida, Arizona, New Mexico, Idaho or, New Mexico or Nevada you should plant another species of milkweed that is native to your area.

It is important to learn which milkweeds are native to your region: please consult these milkweed range maps from the Biota of North America Program’s (BONAP) North American Plant Atlas. Once you have figured out which species of milkweed are native to your area, you can use the Milkweed Finder Tool to find out where to buy Milkweed seeds and plants.

Where is Common Milkweed Native?

USA: AL , AR , CT , DC , DE , GA , IA , IL , IN , KS , KY , LA , MA , MD , ME , MI , MN , MO , MS , MT , NC , ND , NE , NH , NJ , NY , OH , OK , OR , PA , RI , SC , SD , TN , TX , VA , VT , WI , WV

Canada: MB , NB , NL , NS , ON , QC , SK

Native Distribution: Saskatchewan to New Brunswick; south to Georgia; west through Tennessee to Kansas and Iowa.

What kind of habitat does Common Milkweed prefer?

Among the milkweeds, this species is the best at colonizing in disturbed sites. Within its range it can be found in a broad array of habitats from croplands, to pastures, roadsides, ditches and old fields.

It is surprisingly rare in prairies in the Midwest being found mostly in disturbed sites within these habitats. As an indigenous species of the southern Great Plains, it has all the attributes of what some ecologists call a “fugitive species”. That is, one whose appearance and persistence is dependent on disturbance due to its inability to compete with other vegetation. In the northern parts of its range it seems to be a more permanent member of the floral communities.

How do you grow Common Milkweed?

Fall Planting

Fall is the best time for planting milkweed seeds. The seeds won't germinate until spring because they require a cold stratification period. This process stops seedlings from emerging too soon and freezing in the winter cold. You can plant the seeds from September 1 up until the soil freezes. Prepare your soil by removing existing vegetation, if present, and loosen soil with a rake. You may want to add some compost, if you have any available. Scatter the seeds and use your rake to gently work them into the soil. They will come up in spring when conditions are right for them to grow.

Spring Planting

Spring planting takes a little more work because you will need to mimic the natural freezing and thawing cycle. At least six weeks before you are going to plant the seeds in spring, obtain two paper towels, wet them and then wring out excess water. Place one of the paper towels inside a one-gallon, zip-close plastic bag. Scatter the milkweed seeds over this paper towel. Cover the seeds with the second damp paper towel. Zip the plastic bag closed and place it flat in your refrigerator. Leave it undisturbed for at least six weeks. When you are ready to plant, prepare the soil by removing existing vegetation, if present, and loosen soil with a rake. You may want to add some compost, if you have any available. Scatter the seeds and use your rake to gently work them into the soil. When they come up, keep the soil moist until the plants are well established.

How do you identify Common Milkweed?

Please refer to my blog on How to Identify Milkweed Quickly and Confidently. This blog describes how to identify milkweed using the Pattern's method.

In a nutshell, milkweed can be spotted by secreting a milky sap (except for Butterfly Milkweed) and opposite or sometimes whorled leaves. There are 5 separate sepals (petal-like leaves) and 5 fused petals. The corona (circle of petals around the center of the flower) contains 5 hooded forms facing inwards. Inside the corona there are 5 stamens (male parts) fused to the ovary (female part). The pods are filled with many seeds with silky tufts.

If you have any other milkweed-related questions, don't hesitate to reach out to us! I can be contacted at [email protected] or you can comment below.

Resources

Growing Common Milkweed Plants
https://dnr.illinois.gov/education/atoz/seedinstr.html

Xerxes Society
https://www.xerces.org/milkweed/milkweed-seed-finder#:~:text=The%20Biota%20of%20North%20America,native%20to%20Alaska%20and%20Hawaii).

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=ASSY

Milkweed Finder Tool
https://xerces.org/milkweed/milkweed-seed-finder

Milkweed Guide
https://xerces.org/milkweed

BONAP North American Plant Atlas
https://bonap.net/NAPA/TaxonMaps/Genus/County/Asclepias

73 Comments

What's in the name of a Monarch?

1/20/2024

38 Comments

The Monarch butterfly has etymological roots steeped in ancient Greek mythology. The Monarch butterfly and Milkweed plant are similar in that they are both named after Greek gods. Do you know what they are?

What's in a name?

First, let's talk about common names. Common names are simply the names that are used by everyone but can differ regionally! Monarchs have other common names, including milkweed butterfly, common tiger, wanderer, and black-veined brown.

Latin names are generally used by scientists who want to be sure they are referring to the correct species. Latin names are binomial, meaning a two-part name. The first part is the Genus to which the species belongs and the second part is the species name.

Legend holds that Prince William of Orange (later King William III) was so adored by some early European settlers to North America that they bequeathed the name “Monarch” to our very orange and regal butterfly in his honor.

Prince William of Orange (King William III)

Let's talk Latin!

Danaus plexippus (Monarch butterfly)

The monarch was originally described by Carl Linnaeus in his Systema Naturae of 1758 and placed in the genus Papilio. In 1780, Jan Krzysztof Kluk used the monarch as the type species for a new genus, Danaus. Although works published between at least 1883 and 1944 identified the species as Anosia plexippus, the genus name was merged into Danaus in 2005.

Danaus, a great-grandson of Zeus, was a mythical king, who founded Argos. Danaus had fifty daughters, the Danaides, who married the fifty sons of Danaus' twin brother, Aegyptus. In most versions of the myth, they were all ordered to kill their husbands on their wedding nights. All but one did this and they were condemned to spend eternity carrying water in a sieve or perforated device.
In the Metamorphoses, Ovid refers to the Danaides as the Belides after their grandfather Belus.

Robert Michael Pyle suggested Danaus is a masculinized version of Danaë, Danaus's great-great-granddaughter, to whom Zeus came as a shower of gold, which seemed to him a more appropriate source for the name of this butterfly. Afterall, the chrysalis of a monarch butterfly is gilded with gold!

Plexippus was one of the 50 sons of Aegyptus, the twin brother of Danaus, who was killed by one of Danaus' daughter, Amphicomone.
In Homeric Greek, his name means "one who urges on horses", i.e., "rider" or "charioteer" or "striker"

It isn't known why the Monarchs would be named after these particular Greek gods/goddesses. There are many interpretations and theories but we can't know for sure.

What about milkweed?

Asclepias tuberosa (Butterfly Milkweed)

The genus was formally described by Carl Linnaeus in 1753, who named it after Asclepius, the Greek god associate with medicine and healing. This could be due to the many healing properties of Milkweed.

Monarchs also use milkweed as medicine! According to research by University of Michigan researcher, Mark Hunter: "In the wild, parasite-infected female monarch butterflies sometimes seek out milkweed plants with high toxin levels and lay their eggs there, a process known as trans-generational self-medication."

Tuberosa is mashup of the Greek polianthes, meaning “multi-flowered,” and the Latin tuberosa, which means “swollen root,” or tuber.

Members of the genus, Asclepias, produce some of the most complex flowers in the plant kingdom, comparable to orchids in complexity. Five petals reflex backwards revealing a gynostegium surrounded by a five-membrane corona. The corona is composed of a five-paired hood-and-horn structure with the hood acting as a sheath for the inner horn. They are an especially beautiful flower!

Rod of Asclepias

In Greek mythology, the Rod of Asclepius, is a serpent-entwined rod wielded by the Greek god Asclepius. In modern times, it is the predominant symbol for medicine and health care, although it is sometimes confused with the similar caduceus, which has two snakes.

Asclepias holding his serpent-entwined staff

Resources

https://www.nps.gov/articles/netn-species-spotlight-monarch.htm#:~:text=Legend%20holds%20that%20Prince%20William,regal%20butterfly%20in%20his%20honor.

Asclepias tuberosa. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asclepias_tuberosa

https://www.worldwildlife.org/species/monarch-butterfly

Pyle, Robert. 2014. Chasing Monarchs: Migrating with the Butterflies of Passage
https://books.google.com/books?id=gO9eXQI0ZxQC&pg=PA148#v=onepage&q&f=false

Bitter pill: Monarchs, milkweed and self-medication in a changing world
https://news.umich.edu/bitter-pill-monarchs-milkweed-and-self-medication-in-a-changing-world/

38 Comments

Top 10 Fall Flowers to Support Monarch Migration

9/30/2023

20 Comments

Do you want to make your garden a waystation for Monarch butterflies migrating South for the winter? Planting these fall-bloomers will turn your garden into just that!

The Monarch butterflies make a long and arduous journey over 3000 miles to their overwintering ground in the Sierra Madre Mountains every Fall. In order to fuel their journey, they need plentiful sources of nectar in order to have enough fats (lipids) to complete their migration! That is why it is so important to have Fall Blooming plants in your yard or on your property!

In this article, we are going to list our Top 10 fall-blooming plants for attracting Monarchs, and other pollinators, in the fall.

10. Sedum 'Autumn Joy' (Lobelia cardinalis)

The last week of September: A Monarch with Painted Lady butterflies enjoys the nectar in the ‘Autumn Joy’ Sedum. Photo by North Country Reflections

Sedums are easy-keepers and produce beautiful star-shaped flowers from mid-summer to well into Fall! The pollinators love them and they add a beautiful splash of color in your garden or yard. One of the most popular varieties, Autumn Joy, says it all! They actually prefer poor, gravelly soil and full sun so they can be a great choice to line your driveway, sidewalk, or place on the South side of your house.

9. Anise Hyssop (Agastache foeniculum)

The butterflies and other pollinators absolutely LOVE this care-free perennial. It doesn't attract pests, deer avoid it, and it makes a lovely tea. It's an attractive candidate for the back of the border, herb garden, meadow or mixed native planting.

7. Dense Blazing Star (Liatris spicata)

Photo by TexasEagle.

Commonly called Blazing Star or Gay Feather, Liatris is a native perennial that makes a wonderful pitstop for migrating Monarchs and just look at those beautiful, purple blooms!

6. Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis)

Cardinal flower is a great perennial for a butterfly garden with moist soil. Watch hummingbirds flock to this native plant’s sugary blooms. It blooms from May to October in most areas and provides a showy display! It can get up to 6 ft tall so it may not fit every garden or yard.

5. Zinnias

Photo by John Flannery

Zinnias are one of our favorite nectar flowers for many reasons! They have a beautiful, colorful bloom that will give your yard color until October! The butterflies and bees love to pollinate them. Even though they are perennials in most regions, it is easy to collect their seed heads and re-sow next year. They are easy to grow and care for and they make great cutting flowers as well (but leave some for the pollinators)!

4. Black-Eyed Susans (Rudbeckia)

Photo credit: USFWS Mountain-Prairie

Black-eyed Susans create a beautiful fall display and they wear two hats! They are not ONLY a nectar source but also a host source for butterflies! That's a double-win in our book.

Black-eyed Susan is a larval host for Silvery Checkerspot (Chlosyne nycteis) and Bordered Patch (Chlosyne lacinia) butterfly caterpillars and adult butterflies.

3. Marigolds (Tagetes spp.)

Photo by Katie Burandt

Marigolds are not only a wonderful fall-blooming plant but they are deeply steeped in Mexican tradition and folklore around the Monarchs and the Day of the Dead!

Monarchs have long been associated with the Day of the Dead, providing the means for departed souls to return to their families. Legend has it that the souls of the departed travel in the wings of the monarchs, and those wings shed their orange color onto the marigolds.

In Aztec folklore, marigolds, called cempasúchil, lead the returning souls both with their color, so bright it lights their way, and their unmistakable, pungent scent.

The marigold is a common summer bedding flower that not only provides nectar for monarchs, but also repels undesirable insects from the garden.

3. Coneflowers (Echinacea spp.)

Photo credit: USFWS Midwest Region

This perennial is a must in every garden! In my garden in Nebraska, it blooms well into September and even into early October. The bees and butterflies love it and it's a beautiful, stately flower. It has many medicinal uses and it's easy to transplant!

2. Goldenrod (Solidago spp.)

Monarchs on Golden Rod and Aster. Photo by Ellen Macdonald

We can't complete our list without the majestic Goldenrod that seems to exemplify autumn. The pollinators absolutely love this perennial and it will bloom well into October in the Midwest! Erect Goldenrod (Solidago rigida) may get up to 5 ft but Showy Goldenrod (Solidago speciosa) can top out at 3 ft so there is a Goldenrod for every garden! To boot, Goldenrod supports more than 100 species of moths and butterflies in their larval stage and is considered a keystone pollinator plant.

Goldenrod compliments purple flowers, like the New England Aster. It even inspired this exerpt in Robin Wall Kimmerer's book, Braiding Sweetgrass.

“Where the soil is damp enough, they stand side by side with their perfect counterpart, New England Asters. Not the pale domesticates of the perennial border, the weak sauce of lavender or sky blue, but full-on royal purple that would make a violet shrink. The daisylike fringe of purple petals surrounds a disc as bright as the sun at high noon, a golden-orange pool, just a tantalizing shade darker than the surrounding goldenrod. Alone, each is a botanical superlative. Together, the visual effect is stunning. Purple and gold, the heraldic colors of the king and queen of the meadow, a regal procession in complementary colors. I just wanted to know why.

In composing a palette, putting them together makes each more vivid; just a touch of one will bring out the other. In an 1890 treatise on color perception, Goethe, who was both a scientist and a poet, wrote that “the colors diametrically opposed to each other . . . are those which reciprocally evoke each other in the eye.” Purple and yellow are a reciprocal pair.

Growing together, both receive more pollinator visits than they would if they were growing alone. It’s a testable hypothesis; it’s a question of science, a question of art, and a question of beauty.

Why are they beautiful together? It is a phenomenon simultaneously material and spiritual, for which we need all wavelengths, for which we need depth perception. When I stare too long at the world with science eyes, I see an afterimage of traditional knowledge. Might science and traditional knowledge be purple and yellow to one another, might they be goldenrod and asters? We see the world more fully when we use both.

The question of goldenrod and asters was of course just emblematic of what I really wanted to know. It was an architecture of relationships, of connections that I yearned to understand. I wanted to see the shimmering threads that hold it all together. And I wanted to know why we love the world, why the most ordinary scrap of meadow can rock us back on our heels in awe.”
― Robin Wall Kimmerer, Braiding Sweetgrass

1. Aromatic Aster (Symphyotrichum oblongifolium)

We chose Aromatic Aster as our number one pick because this dainty little flower is a native powerhouse!
Asters are a huge family of plants and there are many varieties, so you should be able to find ones to suit your yard.

Not only are Asters a great nectar source but they are also host plants to 112 species of Lepidoptera including pearl crescents, northern crescents, tawny crescents, field crescents, silvery checkerspots, brown-hooded owlets, camouflaged loopers, common pugs, and striped garden caterpillars. Additionally, they are another strong source of nectar and pollen for migrating butterflies and fall foraging insects.

Other great asters to consider are New England Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae), Prairie Aster (Symphyotrichum turbinellum), Smooth Blue Aster (Symphyotrichum laeve), White Prairie Aster (Symphyotrichum falcatum), Big-leaved Aster (Eurybia macrophylla), and False Aster (Boltonia asteroides).

Aromatic Aster will bloom from September into late October. It is a popular plant for full to part sun in dry to average areas with a height of 2’ it would complement your landscape well.

Resources

Aromatic Aster
https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=syob

Anise Hyssop
https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=AGFO

MONARCHS BUTTERFLIES MIGRATE, MARIGOLDS BLOOM: MYTHS, LEGENDS, AND POLITICS OF THE DAY OF THE DEAD
https://theeyehuatulco.com/2022/09/26/monarchs-butterflies-migrate-marigolds-bloom-myths-legends-and-politics-of-the-day-of-the-dead/

Black-Eyed Susan
https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=ruhi2

20 Comments

4 Considerations When Creating a Backyard Butterfly Garden

8/10/2023

13 Comments

Written by Ryan Castillo
Edited by Rebecca Chandler

Creating a butterfly garden is a rewarding and eco-friendly way to invite these delicate creatures into your outdoor space while supporting biodiversity and fostering a thriving ecosystem. With the right knowledge and thoughtful planning, you can transform your backyard into a haven crucial in conserving and protecting these vital insects. Whether you plan on renting an apartment in Valparaiso, IN, or purchasing a home in Prescott, AZ, read below to see essential tips to craft a butterfly oasis, complete with their favorite plants, shelter, water, and organic care.

1. Plant native host plants in your garden

Planting host plants in a butterfly garden is essential because they serve as the primary food source and breeding site for butterfly larvae, ensuring the continuation of their life cycle. By providing host plants, you create a nurturing environment that attracts and sustains various butterfly species, enhancing the beauty and biodiversity of your garden.
Grow Milkweed Plants shares, “Host plants are the type of plant that the butterfly can lay an egg on, and the caterpillar can eat to complete its life cycle. Most butterflies can use a variety of host plants in a plant family. For example, the Monarch Butterfly can host hundreds of plants in the Apocynaceae (dogbane family). The most familiar plants are in the genus Asclepias (milkweeds).”
“The most important thing in supporting backyard butterflies is providing them with the host and nectar plants they need to carry out their life cycle – butterfly, egg, caterpillar, chrysalis, butterfly. Host plants feed the caterpillars, and nectar plants feed the adult butterfly,” adds North Shore Butterfly Gardens.

Plant different host plants based on the season

There is a diverse array of native host plants available by season, each catering to the specific needs and preferences of various butterfly species in their natural habitats.
“Although there are plants that are attractive to butterflies throughout the year, many butterflies are at their peak in mid to late summer, and some of the best native plants to have in your garden that bloom at this time are ironweed, joe pye weed, swamp milkweed, and meadow blazing star. Don’t forget to add some native grasses such as June grass, little bluestem, and Indian grass to your butterfly garden as multiple butterfly species use grasses as host plants, and they also provide good cover,” recommends Blazing Star Butterfly Garden.

Place native plants in areas with ample sunlight

“There are a variety of native plants that will do well in sunny and shaded areas,” shares Monarch Joint Venture. “However, areas that are open and have ample sunlight are typically preferred as you will likely have more options for high-quality nectar plant species to choose from, especially when catering to the monarch butterfly.”

Pay attention to the height and shapes of the flowers

“When creating a butterfly habitat in your yard, replace patches of grass with various types and heights of native plants and flowers. Pay attention to the shapes of the flowers, too. This will attract different species of pollinators. It’s a low-cost way to be an environmental champion and improve curb appeal,” notes The Bug Chicks.
“To make butterflies in your garden happy, plant native flowers that provide blooms in spring, summer, and fall. Different flower colors, shapes, and scents will attract various butterflies. Also, be sure to include plants that provide nectar for adults and food sources for babies,” adds Wildhearts Academy.

Photo courtesy of The Bug Chicks

Remember that butterflies are picky about their foo

Butterflies are known to be remarkably picky about their food choices, as they rely on specific host plants that cater to their unique nutritional requirements and chemical cues for oviposition. Their selectiveness ensures their survival and successful development, making it essential to provide the appropriate host plants in butterfly gardens.
“Creating a butterfly garden in your backyard should start with researching the common butterfly species in your area. Butterflies are picky about food plants for their eggs, so be sure to match the correct plants to what the butterflies you want to attract,” remarks Kevin Clarke of Bug Under Glass.

Consider butternut squash

Save Our Monarchs shares, “A friend who raises monarchs was absolutely adamant that, besides Milkweed Leaves, that Monarch Caterpillars can eat butternut squash when they are in their 5th instar. So, in an emergency where your run out of milkweed, you can feed them butternut squash.”

2. Create a shelter for butterflies

When creating a backyard butterfly garden, it is important to include shelters for butterflies. Butterflies seek shelter during adverse weather conditions, such as strong winds or rain, and require safe spaces to roost overnight. One effective way to provide shelter is by incorporating dense vegetation or shrubs where butterflies can take refuge. Additionally, planting tall grasses or leaving patches of unmown areas in the garden can create a protective cover for them. These shelters will help safeguard butterflies and encourage them to stay in the area.

3. Provide a water source

Butterflies require water not only for drinking but also for important activities like puddling. Puddling is a behavior where butterflies congregate around damp or muddy areas to extract essential minerals and nutrients from the soil. To cater to their needs, you can incorporate water features such as shallow dishes filled with water, wet sand, or mud. Adding a few stones or pebbles to the water dishes can also provide perches for butterflies while they drink.

4. Use organic fertilizer

Unlike chemical fertilizers, which may contain harmful toxins, organic fertilizers are derived from natural sources and may not pose a risk to butterflies. Butterflies are highly sensitive to their environment, and chemical exposure can harm their survival and reproductive success. Organic fertilizers, such as compost, well-rotted manure, or organic plant-based products, enrich the soil with essential nutrients while promoting a healthy ecosystem for butterflies and their host plants.
“Never use pesticides on your plants in or near your butterfly garden. They will harm not only the pesky insects but also the beneficial ones,” shares Save Our Monarchs Foundation, a non-profit based out of Minneapolis, MN.

Do you have a butterfly garden that you would like to showcase?
Send your photos and 2-3 paragraphs to [email protected]

13 Comments

Keeping Monarch Butterflies Hydrated Without Wasting Water

6/9/2023

37 Comments

Written by Jackie Edwards
Edited by Rebecca Chandler

So, you love Monarchs? Follow these simple steps to create a garden oasis in yard to attract Monarchs and other butterflies!

By providing them with a clean, shallow source of water and growing a pesticide-free garden, butterflies can forage from your garden safely!

Water

Wildlife-friendly gardens are booming in popularity, with organizations like the World Wildlife Fun providing readers with tips on how to transform their garden into a wildlife have filled with bees, butterflies, and other helpful insects. If you love the unique grace and beauty of monarch butterflies, then you may wonder what you can do to help their species out. These butterflies are currently considered to be a species of “special concern” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and their population has declined significantly in recent decades. You can help them out by growing native plants like milkweed, coneflowers, and black-eyed Susan flowers. Ensuring they have enough water is also vital. Keep these delicate creatures hydrated while doing your share for global warming in the following ways.

Create a Shallow Puddle Paradise

Summer can be overwhelming in some parts of the US and as is the case with birds, water sources can be hard to find for butterflies. In order to preserve as much water as they came during the warmer seasons, monarchs and other butterflies display a behavior known as “puddling.” The latter involves drinking water in shallow areas. The good news is that with very little of this precious resource, you can help butterflies gather the minerals and vitamins they need. Either entice them with a shallow water feature (such as a shallow basin or upside-down trash can lid), or—if you have an existing fountain—fill parts of its basin with stones or pebbles, so butterflies have structures to rest upon.

Change the Water Frequently

Because monarch butterflies don’t need much water, don’t overfill your basin. It is a good idea to change the water frequently to ensure it is clean. Use any surplus amounts to water plants to water the plants in your garden. Every few days, give the basin a wash with a stiff brush, especially if algae or bacteria mats form. Butterflies don’t have a preference for hard or soft water, so it is okay to use water from your tap. However, if you soften your water, make sure you obtain your puddle source from a salt-free water conditioner. Doing so will ensure that the water you give butterflies is not laden with sodium. While sodium is an essential nutrient for butterflies, too much of it can be toxic and lead to dehydration.

Avoid Pesticide Use

Avoid using chemical fertilizers and pesticides in the plants surrounding your water dish. Butterflies are likely to prefer this area. Aim to grow an organic garden, so butterflies can fly from one plant to the next without being harmed by synthetic chemicals. To keep insects at bay naturally, use companion plants that deter insects. The list of plants is long and includes basil, nasturtiums, marigolds, chives, and lavender. The latter is particularly interesting as it attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies, which in turn can boost pollination in your garden.

37 Comments

Best Grasses To Plant To Attract Monarch Butterflies To Your Garden

4/29/2023

10 Comments

written by Jackie Edwards

Monarch butterfly populations have declined by over 85% in the past two decades due to habitat loss, climate change, and pesticide use, according to the Center for Biological Diversity. Since they're an important part of our ecosystem, it's important to find ways to protect these beautiful pollinators, and planting monarch-friendly grasses can create an ideal habitat for these iconic butterflies and support their population. Doing so enables you to support monarch populations from the comforts of home.

By planting the right types of habitat, including grasses, and supporting monarchs through education, you can help make a difference in preserving these beautiful and important pollinators. Below are some types of grasses that are known to attract monarch butterflies to your garden or outdoor space.

Prairie Dropseed

Prairie dropseed is a native grass species that is well-suited for supporting monarch butterflies. This grass grows in clumps and produces fine-textured foliage that provides a beautiful and delicate addition to your garden or outdoor space. Prairie dropseed is also an important host plant for various insects, including skipper butterflies, moths, and grasshoppers. These insects are an important food source for adult monarchs. In addition to providing a habitat for monarchs and other insects, prairie dropseed also produces seeds that provide an important food source for birds and other wildlife.

Big Bluestem

Apart from giving monarch butterflies a place where they can get food and rest, it's also important to protect them from pets and young children since they could accidentally trample on these insects. Consider creating a small lawn area made from artificial turf to separate your kids' garden play area from your monarch butterfly sanctuary. When compared to real grass, artificial turf may be a better pick for areas in which humans and animals play, and having a designated area with different turf means that wildlife and insects can flourish in others. You could even think about creating a space there to sit, spot and watch the butterflies and insects as they come and go without disturbing them too much!

Meanwhile, if you're looking to add grass that makes a big visual impact in your garden, consider big bluestem. This is another native grass that can provide an important habitat for monarch butterflies and it's a host plant for a variety of insects, including skipper butterflies and moths. It's normally found in the prairies and it grows up to 7 feet tall. Only plant this type of grass in your garden if you don't mind having overly long grass in your backyard, and make sure to cut it to under 18 inches during the fall.

Switchgrass

Switchgrass is a versatile native grass species that can grow up to 8 feet in height, making it an excellent addition to any garden or outdoor space. This grass is adaptable to various soil types, and it is also drought-tolerant, which means it can thrive even in areas with limited water availability. These qualities make switchgrass a sustainable landscaping option that can help conserve water resources and reduce irrigation needs.

Apart from its aesthetic benefits, switchgrass also serves an essential ecological function as a host plant for many pollinators. By planting switchgrass, you can create a thriving ecosystem that supports the monarch butterfly population. As switchgrass matures, it produces seeds that provide an important food source for birds and other wildlife, which makes it an excellent choice for those interested in promoting biodiversity and wildlife conservation in their outdoor space.
Additionally, planting natural grasses like the ones mentioned above have a positive impact on your outdoor space. They improve soil quality, reduce erosion, and require less water and fertilizer. Not to mention, they naturally cool the air and reduce home cooling needs, thus reducing your household's carbon emissions.

By planting the right grasses in your garden or outdoor space, you can help support monarch butterfly populations while also adding beauty and diversity to your surroundings. Remember to choose the grasses that are best suited for your soil and sun conditions, and to be aware of any invasive species. With a little planning and care, you can create a welcoming habitat for monarch butterflies and other pollinators.

Lastly, a well-planned butterfly garden that includes native perennials flowers, grasses and sedges can provide great shelter and nectar sources for our pollinators!

10 Comments

How to Celebrate Monarchs Every Day

4/17/2023

72 Comments

Featuring "Mona the Monarch"!

This article is inspired by a person who celebrates the beauty of Monarchs in all aspects of her life! Carolyn, or "Mona" the Monarch is a butterfly activist, artist, educator, storyteller and so much more! Learn more about the ways she has integrated Monarchs into her life: from home furniture and clothing, garden ornaments to even her Christmas tree!

A note from Carolyn:
"MONA" the MONARCH is 75 and has been a champion for preserving and protecting butterfly habitat eco-systems for decades...she lives in Illinois where the MONARCH is the official State Insect and where her Naperville community has become Sister Cities with Patzcuaro, MEXICO=the wintering- over grounds for Monarch Butterflies.

"MONA" is the volunteer caretaker of 5 community public pollinator gardens and has performed over the years at Earth Day festivals; garden center butterfly programs; SIERRA Club environmental forums; and in public schools. She is an energetic eclectic , Artist-Educator-professional storyteller- life member the Girl Scouts of the USA, as well as the WILD ONES; the CONSERVATION FOUNDATION; SIERRA CLUB; the MORTON ARBORETUM; the ILLINOIS AUDUBON SOCIETY

Her 1-acre yard is registered with the MONARCH WATCH program through the University of Kansas; the WILD ONES native preservationists; the ILLINOIS AUDUBON SOCIETY Bird & Butterfly habitat program (where it has been on 4 public benefit garden tours); the XERCES Society; the CONSERVATION at HOME certification program; the National Wildlife Federation and it received the Blazing Star Award in 2004 from the Willow brook Wildlife Center...BIRDS & BLOOMS and CHICAGOLAND GARDENING magazines featured "MONA's" creative approach to native gardening.

She is quick to tell you that when a MONARCH lands on you outside, in the Mexican culture it is believed to be the SPIRIT of a deceased ancestor coming to greet you, say you are loved, and asks you to PROTECT IT...such silent "Words of Wisdom" from the "Winged Wonders" of NATURE are somehow SACRED!!"

Monarchs at Christmas

This Monarch Christmas tree is a beautiful tribute to the Monarchs! Have you considered decorating your tree with more butterflies?

All of the multi-cultural BUTTERFLY ornaments on the MONARCH TREE are made from wood; plastic; feathers; Origami paper; glass; hologram bookmark; crocheted threads; needle felted wool; vintage potholders; Japanese silk cording; pottery; metal; Native American beadwork; netting; etc. At the bottom of the tree is a Guatemalan Circle of People colored threads ornament all holding hands symbolic of our efforts to PROTECT THE MONARCHS.

Monarch Furniture

Pictured are two pieces of artwork that Carolyn did for the DuPage Country Forest preserve Mayslake Exhibition. The table shows the lifecycle of the Monarch caterpillar and would make a great plant and seed display.

""Let us dance in the SUN, wearing wildflowers in our hair"... by Susan Polis Schutz"

Lawn Ornaments and Decorations

Carolyn created a butterfly sculpture using 2 antique tractor seats.
There is a small ceramic plaque nearby the reads:

"Just living is not enough said the butterfly, one must have sunshine-freedom-and-a little flower" -Hans Christian Anderson"

Clothing

This picture explains why Carolyn is also called "Colorful Carolyn"!

"The hat I am wearing has numerous BUTTERFLY pins on it...the largest is an Ojibway beaded creation...when my bibbed gardening jeans begin to wear out in the thigh areas I simply design denim painted patches to cover the holes...here I am standing by Common Milkweeds in our yard."

Artwork

Carolyn made the "Monarch Muse" mixed media fiber art composition for the DuPage County Forest Preserve (Illinois) "Pollinators In Action" exhibition.

The fiber art framed piece has hand crocheted butterfly/ hand crocheted Common Milkweed seed pods and blossoms as well as bangle, button, and bead embellishments.

Put on a Play!

At a Monarch Butterfly festival she dressed as a Monarch and led children through an interpretive improvisational "dance" where they all sat on the ground and assumed the quiet position of a white pearly egg. Then they hatched into larvae and began wiggling and crawling around on the ground; using their imaginations to begin spinning their chrysalis. After 3 minutes, they stood up and emerged as fully developed Monarchs flapping their wings. The parade with butterfly banners was underway around the festival grounds

".....WHAT FUN, WHAT JOY.....after all isn't that what teaching and learning Is all about?"

Creating Muddling-Puddling gardens is another project "Mona" loves to focus on with her audiences. She says NO to HARMFUL CHEMICALS and YES to Native Nectar producing plants.

We hope this blog will inspire others to think of creative ways to bring Monarchs into their lives! If you have any activities or artwork ideas, please comment below or email [email protected].

72 Comments

Eco-friendly Ways To Attract Monarch Butterflies To Your Garden

4/16/2023

12 Comments

Written by Jackie Edwards

Witnessing the unique spectacle of hundreds of thousands monarch butterflies migrating 3,000 miles is something that everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime. Not only are they beautiful to watch, but monarchs are great pollinators as they’ll help you maintain a healthy and fruitful garden.

Unfortunately, these beloved visitors to summer gardens are under threat and have been declared as an endangered species under the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. The western monarch butterfly population is at a higher risk of extinction, having declined by about 99.9% from 10 million to 1,914 between 1980 and 2021. The larger eastern monarch population has also declined by 84% from 1996 to 2014, according to the IUCN.

There are a combination of factors causing the plight of monarchs, like habitat destruction, use of pesticides, and climate change. The good news is that anyone can raise monarch butterflies at home. Combined efforts by eco-conscious individuals to attract and raise these butterflies can reduce their risk of extinction significantly.

Below are eco-friendly ways to attract monarch butterflies in your garden.

Plant Native Milkweed

Whether you like growing herbs, vegetables, flowers, or other plants, monarchs will help you enjoy a successful growing season, and the best way to attract these butterflies is by planting milkweed. Monarch butterflies like this hardy perennial, as it provides a haven for laying eggs. Not to mention, monarch caterpillars feed on milkweed only.

To ensure your garden remains eco-friendly and a perfect habitat for monarchs, grow native milkweeds. Native species of milkweed, like the common milkweed, antelope-horns, showy milkweed, purple, and California milkweed replicate the environment monarchs naturally seek as they migrate. You can grow milkweed from seed or buy your plants from reputable growers who don’t use chemical-based fertilizers or pesticides. Always be sure to ask your local nursery if they use pesticides on their plants.

Grow Nectar-rich Plant

Besides planting milkweed, you need to grow nectar-rich plants to ensure adult monarch butterflies have enough food to eat. Examples of nectar-rich flowers that attract monarchs include goldenrods, lilacs, cosmos, cone flowers, lantanas, and zinnias. It’s worth noting monarch butterflies prefer feeding on native plants. So, when searching for milkweed species native to your region, search for native nectar-rich plants.

Cultivating native flowers rich in nectar is a sure way of supporting the monarch butterfly population responsibly. Once you’ve identified native nectar-rich plants, pick those with bright and bold hues. Butterflies are attracted to plants with colorful flowers of red and yellow, but they also like purple, pinks, and orange. Also, be sure the plants have flowers with a flat surface, so they can have a place to rest as they sip nectar.

Avoid Chemical-based Pesticides

Many people spray pesticides and herbicides on plants and flowers to prevent pest invasions and diseases. What they don’t know is that pesticides contain toxic chemicals that kill monarch larvae, caterpillars, and adult butterflies. These chemicals can also make their way into ditches or natural water sources, affecting monarchs that sip water there. It is, therefore, important to avoid spraying chemical-based pesticides and herbicides in your garden.

Using organic manure and chemical-free herbicides is one of the best ways to protect monarchs from toxic chemicals and create an eco-friendly garden where they can lay eggs and grow. On top of switching to chemical-free gardening products, create an easy-to-maintain garden. Doing so helps reduce the need for using chemicals. Water usage also reduces, lowering the costs associated with the maintenance of beautiful and functional outdoor spaces. Ideally, incorporating hardscaping into your garden design can help reduce water usage and dependence of chemicals used for lawn treatment. For example, you can integrate hardscape features like decks, walkways, outdoor kitchen, water fountain, and fire pit into your floral or vegetable garden.

Create Butterfly-friendly Shelter

When transforming your garden into a butterfly habitat where you can raise monarchs, pick a perfect spot for their shelter. Your goal is to ensure monarchs have everything they need to grow healthy, including shelter. So, look for a spot in your yard that has trees and shrubs where monarch butterflies can hide from harsh weather when needed.

Since monarch butterflies are fragile insects, they are prone to extreme weather and will die if they don’t have shelter. Monarchs also seek shelter from a storm underneath large leaves and tall grass, or in between rocks. Therefore, grow plant species with large leaves, build a rock pile, grow a bush, or buy a butterfly house to protect these pollinators from harsh weather.

Monarch butterflies are beautiful and excellent pollinators, ideal for creating a healthy garden. However, the number of monarchs is declining, creating a need to protect this species. Creating an eco-friendly garden is the first step to attract and raise monarch butterflies. To achieve positive results, grow native milkweed species, plant nectar-rich flowers, build shelter to protect monarchs, and avoid using herbicides, fertilizers, and pesticides that contain toxic chemicals.

12 Comments

10 Tips For Visiting The Monarch Sanctuaries in Mexico

2/25/2023

51 Comments

If you've always wanted to visit the Monarch Butterfly overwintering grounds in Mexico, it may be easier to get there than you think! Millions of monarchs migrate to the Oyamel Forests in Central Mexico every year around the first of November and stay until the beginning of March.

Follow these tips to make the most out of your trip to the Monarch Butterfly Preserve in Central Mexico!

If you are looking for a more detailed guide, check out my other blog A Guide to Visiting El Rosario Butterfly Sanctuary.

Monarch nectaring at El Rosario sanctuary. Photo by Rebecca Chandler

Plan to stay the whole day!

Make sure to arrive between late morning and early afternoon for best chance at midday sun and a truly magical monarch experience as they fill the skies in flight!
If you visit when it’s at least 60°F and sunny, you’ll witness the monarchs being the most active. If it is a cloudy, cooler day don't let that deter you! They may not be as active, but they will be roosting which is a still a magnificent sight to behold.

Roost of Monarchs at Sierra Chincua Sanctuary. Photo by Rebecca Chandler

Go on a weekday!

Weekends will naturally be busier visitation days. If you can, plan to visit during the week when there will be less people. Then you will be able to focus on the butterflies and get a much more personalized experience!

Dress in Layers

Bring an extra jacket because it will always be colder in the sanctuary which is at an elevation of almost 10,000 ft or 3000 m. If taking a horse, you can ask to tie the coat onto your saddle. Also, don't forget sunscreen and a hat!

Drink a lot of water and bring snacks!

Bring a water bottle, as it is important to stay hydrated, especially in higher altitudes. You can also buy bottled water at the sanctuaries.

You may want to stay with the butterflies as long as possible so pack a few snacks. At both Sierra Chincua and El Rosario, you have the option of eating delicious traditional foods at the entry to the sanctuary.

Help Your Horse Out

These horses work hard everyday so try to help them out as much as possible! On the uphill, help your horse out by leaning slightly forward in the saddle. On the downhill, press your feet into your stirrups and lean back slightly to stabilize your body and avoid being as sore the next day.
The guide will lead your horse for you but you can hold the reins and give your horse lots of praise and pats!

One of the loyal horses at Sierra Chincua. Photo by Rebecca Chandler

Don't underestimate the hike.

The elevation makes hiking much more difficult than it appears if you aren't used to it. You may want to opt for the horseback ride and you don't even need any prior horseback riding experience! The horseback rides are 150 pesos ($8) each way and you can always ride a horse up and hike back down.

Tip your guides!

For many locals, they make their living and support their families by guiding butterfly tours. By supporting ecotourism, it helps to deter illegal logging and supports butterfly conservation. Generally, you don't need to pay the guides upfront but a 100-300 peso tip (about $5-15 USD) is customary. If you can, find a guide that speaks your own language!

Dress like a flower!

It is considered lucky if a Monarch lands on you and they are much more likely to do so if you dress in bright, flower-like colors!

Take a nice camera

You want to make sure and capture this once-in-a-lifetime-experience! A nice camera phone can sometimes make for great photos but also consider a DSLR wide-angle and/or telescopic lens.
If you only have a phone, try the video feature. Better yet, use the slow motion video feature for some very cool footage!

Watch where you are stepping!

It would be a shame to come all that way and accidentally step on a butterfly! Walk carefully, especially in areas where the monarchs are 'puddling'. Puddling means that they are landing on the ground where it may be moist so they can acquire minerals and water from the soil.

51 Comments

<<Previous

Among the favorite nectar plants of the Eastern Black Swallowtail are milkweed, zinnias, native thistles, cone flowers, sunflowers and many others.

Monarch vs Black Swallowtail

Host Plants of the Eastern Black Swallowtail

Adult Eastern Black Swallowtails will lay eggs on plants in the Carrot family. You may find the caterpillars eating on these plants in great numbers but don't be alarmed! There are several ways to keep the caterpillars happy while also saving some of the plant for yourself!

How to keep the caterpillars happy and not lose all of your plants or resort to using pesticides!

Lifecycle of the Black Swallowtail

Similar to the Monarch butterfly: The female butterfly lays one yellow egg at a time on a host plant. After 4-9 days, a caterpillar (larva) hatches from the egg. Over 10-30 days, the caterpillar grows through 5 different stages (called instars) to a length of 2 inches.

Male vs Female

The male features a large row of yellow-colored spots across the middle of its wings. The female has smaller spots, but a larger area of blue scales on the lower wings.

FUN FACT

When provoked, Black Swallowtail caterpillar will emit a disagreeable odor through their osmeteria, a V-shaped orange protrusion on their heads!

Who feeds on Common Milkweed?

Where is Common Milkweed NOT Native?

Where is Common Milkweed Native?

What kind of habitat does Common Milkweed prefer?

How do you grow Common Milkweed?

Fall Planting

Spring Planting

How do you identify Common Milkweed?

If you have any other milkweed-related questions, don't hesitate to reach out to us! I can be contacted at [email protected] or you can comment below.

Resources

The Monarch butterfly has etymological roots steeped in ancient Greek mythology. The Monarch butterfly and Milkweed plant are similar in that they are both named after Greek gods. Do you know what they are?

What's in a name?

Let's talk Latin!

​Danaus plexippus (Monarch butterfly)

What about milkweed?

Asclepias ​tuberosa (Butterfly Milkweed)

Rod of Asclepias

Resources

10. Sedum 'Autumn Joy' (Lobelia cardinalis)

9. Anise Hyssop (Agastache foeniculum)

7. Dense Blazing Star (Liatris spicata)

6. Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis)

5. Zinnias

4. Black-Eyed Susans (Rudbeckia)

3. Marigolds (Tagetes spp.)

3. Coneflowers (Echinacea spp.)

2. Goldenrod (Solidago spp.)

1. Aromatic Aster (Symphyotrichum oblongifolium)

Resources

1. Plant native host plants in your garden

Plant different host plants based on the season

Place native plants in areas with ample sunlight

Pay attention to the height and shapes of the flowers

Remember that butterflies are picky about their foo

Consider butternut squash

2. Create a shelter for butterflies

3. Provide a water source

4. Use organic fertilizer

Do you have a butterfly garden that you would like to showcase?Send your photos and 2-3 paragraphs to [email protected]

So, you love Monarchs? Follow these simple steps to create a garden oasis in yard to attract Monarchs and other butterflies!​By providing them with a clean, shallow source of water and growing a pesticide-free garden, butterflies can forage from your garden safely!

Water

Create a Shallow Puddle Paradise

Change the Water Frequently

Avoid Pesticide Use

Prairie Dropseed

Big Bluestem

Switchgrass

Lastly, a well-planned butterfly garden that includes native perennials flowers, grasses and sedges can provide great shelter and nectar sources for our pollinators!

Featuring "Mona the Monarch"!

Monarchs at Christmas

Monarch Furniture

Lawn Ornaments and Decorations

Clothing

Artwork

Put on a Play!

We hope this blog will inspire others to think of creative ways to bring Monarchs into their lives! If you have any activities or artwork ideas, please comment below or email [email protected].

Plant Native Milkweed​

Grow Nectar-rich Plant

Avoid Chemical-based Pesticides

Create Butterfly-friendly Shelter

Plan to stay the whole day!

Go on a weekday!

Dress in Layers

Drink a lot of water and bring snacks!

Help Your Horse Out

Don't underestimate the hike.

Tip your guides!

Dress like a flower!

Take a nice camera

Danaus plexippus (Monarch butterfly)

Asclepias tuberosa (Butterfly Milkweed)

Do you have a butterfly garden that you would like to showcase?
Send your photos and 2-3 paragraphs to [email protected]

So, you love Monarchs? Follow these simple steps to create a garden oasis in yard to attract Monarchs and other butterflies!

By providing them with a clean, shallow source of water and growing a pesticide-free garden, butterflies can forage from your garden safely!

Plant Native Milkweed