Why Are Monarchs Declining?
One of the primary reasons is the loss of milkweed, the sole host plant for monarch caterpillars. A major threat to milkweed comes from glyphosate, a widely used herbicide in agriculture that kills milkweed growing near or within crop fields. With less milkweed available, monarchs have fewer places to lay their eggs and feed their young.Why Florida Matters for Monarchs
Florida plays a crucial role in the monarch butterfly's lifecycle. As a vital stopover in their migratory path, monarchs depend on Florida’s warm climate and native milkweed populations to reproduce and support the eastern monarch population in the U.S.
How You Can Help Monarch Butterflies
Creating pesticide-free patches of native milkweed and other nectar-rich plants is one of the most effective ways to support monarchs and other pollinators.Florida is home to 21 native species of milkweed, and planting these species in your garden or along roadsides can make a big difference. Recommended species include:
- Asclepias incarnata (Swamp Milkweed)
- Asclepias tuberosa (Butterfly Weed)
- Asclepias humistrata (Pinewoods Milkweed)
Support Native Plant Conservation
An easy way to get involved is by supporting the Florida Native Plant Society and purchasing native milkweed at local plant sales. These efforts not only benefit monarch butterflies but also help restore habitat for many other threatened pollinators.Learn more or find a local chapter: Florida Native Plant Society
Read the full study from the University of Florida here
1. With gorgeous pink flowers, Swamp Milkweed is Monarch butterflies' favorite host plant.
2. Swamp Milkweed will produce clusters of beautiful pink flowers. The plants grow to a mature height of about 36 to 60 inches tall.
3. Buttery Milkweed, also known as "Butterfly Weed," will produce beautiful clusters of orange flowers.