Monarchs & Native Plants | Partners in Survival

Insects have very special relationships with native plants. They have evolved together for thousands of years and have come to rely on each other for critical life services. They are Partners in Survival. Without native plants, insects and the entire food chain are at risk of extinction.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has recently proposed to list the monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) as a threatened species under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. They cite that the eastern migratory population of monarchs (which includes those traveling through Louisiana) is estimated to have declined by approximately 80% since the 1980s putting them at high risk of extinction by 2080. As with all wild creatures, the protection and development of native habitat will be crucial for their survival.

How can you help Monarch Butterflies ?

  • Plant native milkweed which is the host plant for the monarch caterpillar.
  • Plant nectar rich native plants that offer the right bloom cycle to support their lifecycle.
  • Protect their habitat and any native stands of milkweed.
  • Pass on pesticides.

The monarch butterfly and its remarkable multi-generation migration are marvels of the natural world. This… is a … call to action for all Americans to save this majestic species by joining forces to plant native milkweed and nectar plants all across the nation – our yards, schools, parks, rights-of-way, businesses, places of worship, working lands, and so much more. By working collaboratively, we will recover and safeguard this iconic species for future generations.” – Collin O’Mara, president and CEO, National Wildlife Federation

Monarchs and Milkweed – What makes this native plant so essential?

Milkweed isn’t just a favorite snack for monarch butterflies — it’s essential to their survival! Monarch butterflies lay their eggs exclusively on milkweed plants, and their caterpillars can only eat milkweed leaves. They have developed very specific adaptations to be able to use this plant, but the drawback is that they can ONLY use this plant. Without milkweed plants, monarchs can’t complete their life cycle. With native milkweed in your garden monarchs have a place to lay their eggs and the caterpillars can grow into healthy butterflies. Milkweed is important to other insects too. You will see many pollinators and other insects come to milkweeds for food.

Other pollinators also come to milkweeds for nectar. Asclepias perennis and Pearl Crescent butterfly. Photo T. Baumgarten

What are the best native milkweed plants for Louisiana?

Louisiana has over 20 species of native milkweeds. Many occur naturally on prairie sites and like many prairie plants, they have a long taproot to withstand drought conditions.  A few that are fairly common include Asclepias tuberosa or butterfly weed with showy orange/red flowers, A. viridis, green milkweed which has green flowers, and A. verticillata, whorled milkweed, which has greenish white flowers.   

Swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) and aquatic milkweed (Asclepias perennis) both have white to pink flowers and thrive in wet conditions along river banks and in coastal areas. However, they are versatile and can do well in most situations, even in patio pots and raised beds. Common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) does well in north Louisiana, and A. amplexicaulis  grows in open woods and clearings.  These plants thrive in Louisiana summers.  Ask for them in your garden centers or visit a native plant nursery. 

Other great native plants in Louisiana for Monarchs

Nectar plants are a crucial energy source for monarch butterflies, especially during their long migrations. Adult monarchs rely on nectar from flowers to fuel their flight, giving them the strength to travel thousands of miles across North America. Nectar plants also provide essential nourishment for monarchs throughout their breeding season, helping them survive and reproduce. Without a steady supply of nectar-rich flowers, monarchs would struggle to complete their journey and maintain healthy populations. Plant a wide variety of native nectar plants that bloom from spring to fall to help monarchs get the food they need to thrive at every stage of their journey.

Avoid Non-Native Tropical Milkweed

In south Louisiana, non-native milkweed is NOT a good partner for survival.

The non-native Mexican or tropical milkweed (Asclepias curassavica), thrives in areas with mild winters. Coastal areas of the Southeast including Louisiana have resident populations of monarch butterflies that do not migrate normally due to the presence of this non-native tropical milkweed which is widely cultivated by gardeners. The continued growth and presence of this tropical plant throughout the winter encourages these insects to stay. Nearly 100% of these residents are heavily infected with OE. This infection can then spread by simple contact with infected plants to monarchs that are migrating northward in the Spring. Many nonprofits like Monarch Joint Venture, federal and state agencies, such as the Natural Resources Conservation Service and the U.S. Forest Service now warn against using non-natives milkweeds to support monarch breeding. This comprehensive article by Project Monarch Health provides in depth information on this disease, its symptoms and its causes.

Inspire young and old nature enthusiasts!

Monarchs are a “gateway bug” for young and old. By learning about this fascinating insect, people come to appreciate all insects and how they depend on native plants. The life cycle of butterflies is a fascinating phenomenon. The process by which they transform from tiny eggs to hungry caterpillars, then into dazzling butterflies has captivated people for ages. (put graphics side by side in columns)

Monarchs are also one of nature’s most fascinating travelers! Each year, a different generation of these delicate creatures embark on an epic journey, flying thousands of miles from Canada to Mexico, guided by nothing but instinct. Journey North is a great organization that is dedicated to showcasing the great migrations of all sorts of animals, including the monarch in real time! You can even add to the scientific data by recording your own observations when you have a sighting of a monarch or other migrating creature.

Monarchs offer a very visual and fun way to help kids understand how native plants and insects are Partners in Survival. Plant native Milkweed together and watch for them to show up. By planting native milkweed and native flowers, we will make sure that future generations will continue to see these winged wonders flutter through our gardens!

Download our Monarch coloring sheet.

Download and print this fun coloring sheet for the kids. For all of our available coloring sheets visit our resource page HERE.

Together we can ensure a future where both Native plants and Monarchs survive.

By protecting monarch butterflies and planting native species, we’re not just creating beautiful, thriving gardens — we’re restoring the balance of our ecosystems. Monarchs rely on native plants like milkweed to survive, while those plants depend on monarchs and other pollinators to continue their life cycles. It’s a partnership that has evolved over thousands of years, and now, more than ever, it needs our help. When we nurture native plants in our gardens, parks, and communities, we’re giving monarchs a fighting chance to continue their incredible migration and reminding ourselves that every small act of conservation makes a difference. Monarchs and native plants are Partners in Survival.

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