Asclepsis and Lantana: Food for Monarch Butterflies
Asclepsis and Lantana Planted Together for Monarch Butterflies
DoT’s Thot: I was thinking of and feeding the Monarch babies, then I realized I should think of the Monarch Butterflies and what they need for food as well.
Asclepsis Provides Milkweed Leaves for Monarch Butterfly Caterpillers
Asclepsis Provides Milkweed for Monarch Butterfly Caterpillers
I first focused on the asclepsis mikl plant that I needed to feed the Monarch Butterfly caterpillers that would grow up to be the lovely orange, black and white butterflies. In another post, I explained that I was familiar with the crown flower in Hawaii, but not with the equivalents in California. In browsing around I happened upon a description of this asclepsis pictured here and got some seeds about 3 years ago. It worked and I have had a number of generations of Monarch Butterflies.
Lantana Provides Nectar for Monarch Butterflies
Lantana Provides Nectar for the Monarch Butterflies
This year, I realized that the Monarch Butterflies themselves would appreciate some flowers that appeal to them for food as well. Luckily I read that they like Lantana blossoms and I have a bush right in front. This year I planted some asclepsis in front of the larger lantana bush to make a mini-habitat.
Plan to Expand Monarch Butterfly Way Station
Next year, I hope to be a regular way station for the Monarch Butterflies and feed the monarch butterfly caterpillers even more . Because the seeds of the asclepsis burst from their pods and fly all over the place, I think I’ll move the bulk of the asclepsis to the backyard. I do still wish I had the familiar crown flower, but have not succeeded in finding it here in California. Hence, this asclepsis has to do.
Aloha, DoT
Related Articles or References:
Related Posts:
- Scene in Hawaii: Monarch Butterfly Caterpiller in a Supermarket Garden Shop
- A Note on Monarch Butterflies in Hawaii
- Monarch Butterfly Haiku: Camera Madness
- Monarch Butterfly Sightings Haiku — the Asclepsis Gardener’s Reward
- Missed the Monarch Butterfly Chrysalis — Found It Empty
- Monarch Butterflies — Caterpillar Faith
- Monarch Butterfly Life Cycle Site Review — go visit
- Monarch Butterfly Egg Hunt — First Report
- Monarch Butterfly Egg Hunt is On
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