PostHeaderIcon Asclepsis and Lantana: Food for Monarch Butterflies

Asclepsis and Lantana Planted Together 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 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 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

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