The relationship between the Monarch Butterfly and Milkweed is famous. Almost anyone you talk to, whether it’s a stranger or friend is aware of the fact that Monarchs depend on Milkweed for their survival, and many people try to plant it in their yard. However, this can often backfire, as there are many species of milkweed and most of them spread via underground rhizomes, which makes it far too aggressive for most suburban yards. Now, there are other species of less-aggressive milkweed, but what if I told you there were other plants (beside milkweeds) that can help support Monarch Butterflies?
The fact is, while Milkweed is critical as the Monarch will only lay it’s eggs on Milkweed plants, they still need nourishment during their migration north and south. And, being butterflies they prefer nectar. Migrating Monarch butterflies are opportunistic feeders who will fuel themselves up on their long journey[1]. They need blooming flowers with nectar to do this, even in Fall! And unfortunately the herbicide resistant GMO farming practices have eliminated nearly all nectar plants in agricultural areas, making this journey harder.
Well, below are eight unique species that will directly benefit Monarch Butterflies (and attract them to your yard), but none of them are Milkweed. All of them are native to North America, however, you should check the range to make sure it’s native to your yard.
Meadow Blazing Star
It is fitting that I lead this list with the ULTIMATE Monarch Magnet! Meadow Blazing Star ( Liatris ligulistylis) is a perennial native to the Upper Midwest, and has sporadic populations around the Rocky Mountains. But, this is flower is a mega nectar producer! The monarch’s seem to find it’s nectar irresistible. I generally have three different Monarch’s around this flower when in bloom.
This species loves moist to slightly dry conditions, but it doesn’t handle drought that well, so plan accordingly. Like other species it can be divided in early Spring or Fall. Oh – if you are able to grow it in groups of three in different conditions, you can extend the total bloom time to a solid two months! I have one patch in 100% sun that blooms in mid-July while another patch in part-sun blooms in August.
Rough Blazing Star
So, most butterflies seem to love the feathery/fluffy purple blooms of Liatris flowers, and this one is no exception. But what sets this particular species apart is that is just about the last Liatris flower to bloom of the year! So, it is a valuable source of nectar for migrating Monarchs late in the season.
The native range is roughly central and Eastern North America excluding New England. It is drought tolerant and likes medium-moist to dry soils, full sun, and is easy to grow. This Liatris blooms for about a month in late Summer to early Fall – often coinciding with Asters.
New England Aster
This list absolutely needs to have New England Aster! With hundreds of blooms per plant, New England Aster does an amazing job of providing nectar to migrating Monarchs late in the season (as well as other pollinators).
Native to much of North America, it’s one of the showiest Asters with blooms ranging from dark purple to pink. Putting on a show in mid to late summer, it looks great. One thing to note, if you want this plant in a formal flower bed it needs to have access to moisture (no drought), and it probably will need to be pruned by the 4th of July to keep it from flopping.
Aromatic Aster
One of the absolute last Asters to bloom, Aromatic Aster is an incredibly valuable nectar source for all pollinators. While most of the flowers are going dormant, Aromatic Aster will keep blooming well into Fall, and looking better to those late season mums all your neighbors have!
A sprawling, low growing plant, it spreads via rhizomes. So if you want to keep it contained in a formal flower bed it will require regular pruning each Spring to remove unwanted rhizomes. But in wild areas, plant it in dry conditions where it can thrive without being out-competed by other taller plants.
Showy Goldenrod
This list would not be complete without goldenrod. But rather than advocate people to plant the hyper-aggressive Canadian Goldenrod, I figured I would include Showy Goldenrod (solidago specosia). Showy Goldenrod looks similar, but isn’t as aggressive as Canadian Goldenrod (I discuss that topic here). It is easy to keep it contained in formal flower beds by removing unwanted sprouts each Spring.
Native to roughly half of North America, Showy Goldenrod blooms in late summer to early fall with tall spikes of flowers. There are thousands of individual flowers per plant, and it is insane to see just how many pollinators it attracts. Don’t believe me? Check out this clip from a video I made on it.
It grows well in slightly moist to slightly dry conditions. In more moist areas it might get too tall and flop over, so be prepared to give it the Chelsea Chop to keep it upright.
Ironweed
Ironweed is another one of those purple fuzzy/hairy appearance flowers that just seem to be extremely attractive to Monarch Butterflies. There are numerous species across North America, although I’m particularly fond of New York Ironweed as it doesn’t spread via rhizome.
Relatively easy to grow, it blooms in mid to late Summer and looks great all year with it’s dark green foliage. This plant really should be grown in gardens more as it is such a great looking plant that feeds tons of pollinators.
Joe Pye Weed
One of the greatest plants for attracting all pollinators, including Monarchs is Joe Pye Weed. Blooming in Summer, it’s flowerheads attract scores of butterflies. The numerous flowers produce copious amounts of nectar to feed migrating Monarchs.
Native to roughly half of North America, there are several species that range in height from three to ten feet tall! Easy to grow and care for once established, they all prefer moist to medium moist conditions.
Maximilian Sunflower
One of the latest blooming sunflowers, Maximilian Sunflower generally starts blooming in September and goes for about a month. Drought tolerant, it can reach heights of 10′ tall (I think I saw one in the wild that was 12′ once).
Native to the Western Midwest, it has become established in roughly half of North America by escaping residential gardens. Heck, the Pennsylvania DNR even plants it in it’s State Game Lands. They most likely do so because of it’s value to pollinators and birds.
But this flower looks great as a center piece of a formal flower bed. However, please note that it will spread via underground rhizome, and may need the Chelsea Chop to stay upright.
Find more native plants here
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