The monarch butterfly butterfly , with its vivacious Orange River and pitch-black wings , is a beloved visitor to many garden and landscapes . As an expert in horticulture and landscaping , I have had the pleasance of observing these beautiful creatures up close and study about their preferences when it issue forth to nectar flowers . While they do have a wide range of nectar source that they enjoy , there is one flower in particular that fend out as the monarch ’s favorite – the butterfly stroke milkweed ( Asclepias tuberosa ) .
Butterfly milkweed , also known as orange milkweed or butterfly stroke weed , is a native plant that has a special kinship with the monarch butterfly . Its bright orange blossoms not only provide a striking visual exhibit , but they also contain a rich source of ambrosia that monarchs find irresistible . Whenever I have planted butterfly stroke milkweed in my garden , it has always attracted a variety of butterfly , but the monarchs seem to constellate to it in big numbers than any other species .
One of the reasons why monarchs are so draw to butterfly milkweed is because it is their host plant . Monarchs lay their testis entirely on milkweed plant , as the leaves provide the necessary food for their cat . The bearing of milkweed in a garden not only attract adult monarchs looking for nectar , but it also provides a life-sustaining habitat for the next generation .
I think back one finical experience I had with monarch butterflies and butterfly milkweed in my own garden . One summer , I settle to create a dedicated monarch home ground by planting a large darn of butterfly stroke milkweed . It was rightfully a hatful to behold as the lustrous orange blooms covered the domain , attracting 12 of monarch butterflies . I would spend hours sit in my garden , watching as the butterfly stroke flitted from flower to bloom , sipping nectar and laying their eggs . It was a magical experience that truly highlighted the importance of milkweed as a resource for monarchs .
In addition to butterfly stroke milkweed , monarchs also enjoy nectar from a variety of other flowers . Some of their favorites admit purple coneflower , contraband - eyed Susan , aster , and zinnia . These flowers , with their vivacious colors and abundant nectar , provide significant fuel for the monarchs as they travel on their longsighted migrant flights .
To create a monarch - well-disposed garden , it is important to let in a mix of nectar flora that bloom throughout the growing time of year . By allow a uninterrupted author of nectar , you could help abide monarch population and lead to their conservation effort . constitute a diverse chain of mountains of heyday that bloom from springiness through spill will ensure that Danaus plexippus have access to intellectual nourishment throughout their integral life rhythm .
While monarch butterflies have a variety of nectar sources they enjoy , butterfly milkweed holds a particular place in their hearts . Its vivacious orange blossoms and rich ambrosia make it a favorite among monarchs . By planting butterfly silkweed and other nectar flowers , we can not only attract these beautiful butterflies to our gardens but also ply them with the resourcefulness they call for to survive and flourish .
Caroline Bates
