What to Plant to Attract Monarchs

From Nectar-Providing Plants to Milkweed

Male Monarch - Photo by Becky Yeager

MONARCH NECTAR PLANTS

The National Wildlife Federation (NWF), Xerces Society, and Monarch Watch jointly produced regional lists of native, nectar-rich plants that are used by adult monarchs. The lists include the size, bloom season, water requirements, and color of each plant. The list for your can be found HERE.

When planting landscapes in Utah, consider providing plants that bloom from May to October, the critical breeding and migration periods. While benefiting monarchs, these types of plants also benefit all pollinators. Of course, milkweed is necessary for the larval stage of the monarch.

In addition, consider using little to none pesticides and herbicides. The use of these chemicals has been determined to be highly lethal to monarchs and can interfere with proper development and instinctual behaviors during all life stages.

Showy Milkweed - Photo by Becky Yeager

MILKWEED

Monarch habitat would not be complete without milkweed, the only host plant for the monarch caterpillar. Don't let the term "weed" fool you. Milkweeds are attractive, fragrant, easy to grow, and useful to many other pollinators.

When incorporating milkweed into your yard, please use only species native to Utah and your specific region. Check HERE to determine the best milkweed to plant based on your location. Some non-native milkweed, such as "tropical" milkweed, have been documented to interfere with migration and increase the number of potential monarch parasites, especially in warmer climates.

If you have located native milkweed seed, keep in mind that they may need to be "cold-stratified" or kept in a cold environment for an extended period of time. For information on cold-stratifying seeds, click HERE.

If you are looking for milkweed seeds and/or seedlings native to your area, check one of the active Utah groups on Facebook. Monarchs of Bridgerland and Monarchs of the Wasatch Front.

MONARCH WAYSTATIONS - A MONARCH WATCH PROGRAM

Have you heard the term "monarch waystation?" Monarch Watch founded the Monarch Waystation Program which has spread rapidly across the United States. By adhering to the guidelines and registering your property with Monarch Watch, you are letting your neighbor and community know that you are serious about monarch conservation and helping to initiate the discussions of the importance of providing and protecting pollinator habitat.

Monarch Waystations are places that provide resources necessary for monarchs to produce successive generations and sustain their migration. Without milkweed throughout their spring and summer breeding areas in North America, monarchs would not be able to produce the successive generations that culminate in the migration each fall. Similarly, without nectar from flowers, these fall migratory monarch butterflies would be unable to make their long journey to overwintering grounds in Mexico and California. The need for host plants for larvae and energy sources for adults applies to all monarch and butterfly populations around the world.

If you have a dead space in your yard, consider remodeling it for the butterflies. If you have an existing flower garden, consider adding a few stems of native milkweed and additional nectaring plants to turn it into the complete breeding habitat of the monarch butterfly.

As of 30 December 2020, 31,643 Monarch Waystation habitats have registered with Monarch Watch.

The Taylor Home for Wayward Monarchs (official registered name) - Photo provided by Rachel Taylor

Register as a Monarch Waystation

The basic requirements to register as a Monarch Waystation are:

Grow at least ten stems of native milkweed for monarchs to lay their eggs on and caterpillars to eat
Grow nectar-producing flowers for adults to use for food
Provide a water source for butterflies (even a small dish)
Do not use pesticides/herbicides
Commit to maintaining this natural, healthy environment for butterflies and other pollinators

For complete details on the requirements to register your property as a Monarch Waystation, click HERE. To register your property under the Monarch Waystation Program, click HERE.

MONARCH CITY USA

MONARCH CITY USA was created in 2015 in Maple Valley, Washington. This non-profit group encourages America’s 19,000+ municipalities to help the monarch butterfly population recover by planting milkweed and nectar plants within their borders. They coordinate with other organizations, specialists, and citizens across the country.

The first MONARCH CITY USA in Utah was Cedar Hills, Utah. Congratulations to Mayor Jenney Rees and the residents of Cedar Hills for making this effort!

For more information on how your city can become a MONARCH CITY USA, visit their WEBSITE.

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