Category Archives: monarchs

Monarch Butterfly Migration Time

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Did you know that Monarchs are the only butterfly to migrate?  In the spring they make the long journey from Mexico to the Northeast US/Canada. The butterfly that starts in Mexico does not fly all the way.  It stops and lays eggs for the next generation, which will go another leg on the journey.  There can be up to 4 or 5 generations of Monarchs that are involved in the north migration.   In the fall, the migration goes south, but often one butterfly will make it the total journey.

To support the migrations, it is essential that they find plants on which to lay eggs (only milkweeds!) and nectar producing plants for food. Thus, waystations are planted to attract these amazing creatures and support their migration.

For those in Oklahoma or Texas, Okies for Monarchs (https://okiesformonarchs.org ) provides information on what to plant, how much to plant, where to find the plants/seeds, and how to certify an individual waystation.  According to their website, “For optimum Monarch habitat, plant at least 10 milkweed plants, made up of two or more species, and several annual, biennial, or perennial plants that are in bloom sequentially or continuously during spring, summer and fall.” 

Monarch Watch (https://monarchwatch.org/waystations/ ) also provides a wealth of information, including how to install and certify (register) a waystation. In addition, they have information suitable for use in the classroom, and provide links to follow the migrations in spring and fall.

I’ve included a picture of a Monarch butterfly. But, watch for the caterpillars (particularly in the spring) on milkweeds. They are a lovely sight to behold.

Monarch and Pollinator Plantings

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Monarch_In_MayLast night I attended a call to action meeting for saving monarchs as well as other pollinators.

Randy Johnson, Dallas-based horticulturist and passionate pollinator protector, gave a quick run-down of plants and plantings designed to provide migrating monarchs with host and nectar plants.

He stressed staying with native plants because the prairie ecosystem is critical to monarch migration (in March they come through going north; in October they move south).  It’s the longest insect migration in the world (except maybe locusts!).

Those attending who are “of age” remember when monarchs filled the sky on their migrations. Now, it is a cause to celebrate if one sees scores on a plant.

So what does one do?

One plants milkweed (host plant) and other native flowering plants (for nectar). Recommended are:

Milkweeds:

  • Asclepias viridis – the most common, “green milkweed”
  • A. asperula – antelope horns
  • A. tuberosa – brilliant orange flowers
  • A. viridiflora – “green comet”

Plants for nectar:

  • Zizia aurea – golden alexanders – which also tolerate shade!
  • Coral honesuckle (Lonicera sempervirens)
  • Monarda fisulosa – beebalm
  • Salvia gregii – autumn sage with bright red blooms
  • Turk’s cap – which blooms till frost and tolerates shade
  • Flame acanthus – which also tolerates shade or partial shade
  • Frostweed (Verbesina virginica) – for nectar
  • Salvia azurea – prairie sage which is a late bloomer
  • Lantanas

There are many more, but this will get you started.  The key is to provide blooms stretching from March through fall – “succession blooming”.

Randy also stressed that plantings should be in blocks, or patches.  He warned against a single plant here and one over there, as the pollinators may find one but not the other.  Best to plant together.

And, of course, plantings should be organic, with no spraying.

Calls for city-wide action for pollinator protection was also discussed.  Kevin Lefebvre with the City of Dallas reminded attendees of www.GreenDallas.net  as a place to learn of upcoming issues before City Council.  Folks can register to receive notices and alerts.