It is so important to plant the variety of milkweed native to your area. Planting the wrong variety can have disastrous effects on the Monarch's migration. I have a sizable butterfly garden & add to it every year. Tho milkweed is the Monarch's go to plant for egg laying & sustenance for the larvae, other plants are important to them too, such as dill weed & fennel. For a nectar supply Monararda (bee balm) is an excellent source, as is echinacea, (coneflower). These are 2 of the easiest nectar plants to grow for all species of butterfly. Another easy-peasy flower they flock to is the herb oregano, & a native plant, Joe Pye Weed. Joe Pye Weed grows naturally in wet areas, along quite steams, bogs, & beside ponds. It can get up to 5' in height. There is a Baby Joe Pye variety that I grow, which is about half the height. It has a light pungent aroma, that is very pleasing. New England & New York asters are another favorite, as are the purple spikes of liatris. The bottom line is that there are many plants that butterflies are drawn to, & if we all plant even just 1 of them, it's a step in the right direction in bringing the Monarch population back. Kudos to all of you that have made the effort, because you have made a difference. And kudos to all of you who will start your 1st butterfly gardens this season.
