Save the Monarch

Monarch butterfly populations and those of many other helpful pollinators have dramatically declined over the past few years because of habitat loss and a myriad of other factors. Monarchs, which lay eggs on milkweed, require much milkweed to survive. More native milkweed and other plants needed by monarchs must be established. These beautiful insects require plants during all stages of their life cycle. Monarchs lay eggs on milkweed, which is what the larvae exclusively feed on. Adults feed on nectar from large, fragrant flowers. The sunflower family of plants, known as the Asteraceae, is one of the adult monarch’s favorite sources, but they are drawn to other yellow, pink, orange and purple nectar-producing flowers, too.