We all associate Monarch Butterflies and Milkweed Plants. The reason for this is that Monarchs rely on Milkweeds as their host plant. They lay eggs on the underside of leaves. After hatching, caterpillars (larva) will munch on the leaves until your plant is bare! While referring to the Monarch Life Cycle depicted below, these butterflies will spend the vast majority of their life cycle on Milkweed plants. Therefore, we want to supply this beloved, endangered species with all of the Milkweed that they can eat!
But in the title you suggested it isn’t a safe space?
While this genus (Asclepias) of plants is absolutely needed in order to protect our Monarchs, there are some exceptions that you should consider before planting some of the species. Tropical Milkweed (Asclepias curassavica) is by far the easiest species to find. Big box stores sell them like hotcakes because they are advertised as good for the butterflies. Then purchasers will share seeds or cuttings from their plants with their neighbors. The issue with this species of Milkweed is that it grows and blooms too long into the winter here for it to be a safe habitat for our butterfly friends. So, you can use this species if that is all you have available to you… but we want to add the caveat that you must cut back the plants now to prevent lingering butterflies from staying too long and never making their final voyage to Mexico.
The other Milkweed species that we regularly caution people against is the Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca). As the common name would suggest, this is a very common species of Milkweed found throughout North America. The issue for us is that it is not native to Georgia. Planting Common Milkweed here could lead to releasing invasive species into the wild. Invasives will take over the same habitat as native plants. By planting Common Milkweed in Georgia, we could risk endangering the many, many more native milkweed species. We advise complete removal of this species if found in your landscape.
Ok! So, what species should I plant?
Georgia has a very long list of native milkweed plants that we suggest. Some of the species are only recommended for certain regions of the state. Others are protected and should not have seeds collected or propagated. Our favorite recommendation is Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata)! You can purchase this plant at native plant nurseries or order seeds online. See the “Where to Buy” section below for resources to help you find recommended Milkweed species.
The State Botanical Garden has created this PDF flyer that can help to direct you in choosing which species you would like to have planted in your landscape. Monarchs Across Georgia has a one-page document for a quick reference to recommended species. They also have a long document that breaks down each species and different characteristics about the plant.
More than Milkweed
An additional note: Milkweed plants are the host plants for early life stages of Monarchs, but the adults need more support too. If the caterpillars are consuming all of the leaves on your milkweed plant, it may not be able to produce enough energy to flower. The adults will need to feed on the nectar found in flowers to sustain their journey. Ensure that you have other blooming plants near your milkweed to meet all of their needs! Here is a sample list of recommended Monarch Garden plants.
Where to Buy and Other Resources
Georgia State Botanical Garden List of Native Plant Nurseries
Georgia Native Plant Society Search Engine
Monarch Watch Market and Free Seeds
Million Pollinator Gardens has resources for finding seeds and registering your garden as a safe space so humans are able to see the connectivity of pollinator gardens.
Monarch Watch Waystations is another resource for how and what to plant, as well as a place to register your garden as Monarch Friendly
Pollinator Partnership has many more resources that are specific to Monarchs, but also how you can help other pollinators.
