Native Butterfly Plants
The biggest threat to monarch butterflies and many others is loss of habitat. So the best way to help is to provide plants that the caterpillars eat, and flowers that the adults can feed on. This also means not spraying insecticides or pesticides on or near the plants. Well-meaning planting of milkweed in areas where chemicals are sprayed can hurt the population, since butterflies can lay eggs on toxic plants. If you are unable to protect the milkweed from chemicals, please do not plant them. Visit the Wisconsin DNR website for more information.
Common Milkweed
Asclepias syriaca – Perenial.
The shoots of the milkweed plant begin in late May and are quickly sought out by the first generation of monarchs making their way back north. Established plants (plants that have returned for at least 2 years) can grow up to 6ft and will bloom for a short period in mid-summer.
The flowers will turn into seed pods, which can be collected once the pods are dry and start to split open. Each seed is attached to fluff which carries it away on windy days.
To plant: Mix into soil in late fall/early winter, or after cold stratification.
Prairie Coneflower
Ratibida pinnata – Perenial. Other names include pinnate prairie coneflower, gray-head coneflower, yellow coneflower, and prairie coneflower.
By mid summer, this plant will reach it’s full height (3-4ft) and bright yellow flowers will bloom. In the fall, the seeds are eaten by many birds.
To plant: Mix into soil in late fall/early winter, or after cold stratification.
Joe-Pye Weed
Genus: Eutrochium – Perenial. This genus includes many species.
Established plants can reach 6ft or more. Depending on the species, the flowers can range from white to pink to a light purple.
To plant: Mix into soil in late fall/early winter, or after cold stratification.