Whorled Milkweed (Asclepias verticillata) is a herbaceous perennial that grows in most of North America except for the far western areas. This plant is a host to the Monarch (Danaus plexippus). It can grow to 3 feet tall and has green to white flowers that bloom from May to September. It is hardy in zones 3-9.
The Pearl Crescent is found in most of North America, except for the Pacific Northwest and the martime provinces of Canada. It is a member of the family Nymphalidae and is in the subfamily Nymphalinae. This butterfly was first named and described by Dru Drury, a British entomologist in Illustrations in Natural History in 1773. This brown and yellow butterfly utilizes plants from the Aster Family (Asteraceae) as hosts.
The Silver-spotted Skipper is one of the most wide ranging skippers in North America. It is a member of the family Hesperiidae and is in the subfamily Pyrginae. This butterfly was first named and described by Pieter Cramer, a Dutch entomologist and merchant in De Uitlandsche Kapallen (1775). A brown colored skipper, it generally uses plants from the Legume Family (Fabaceae).
The Monarch Butterfly is one of the most well-known butterflies in North America. It is a member of the family Nymphalidae and is in the subfamily Danainae. This butterfly was first named and described by Carl von Linnaeus in 1758 based on collections by Mark Catesby. A distinctive orange and black butterfly, it utilizes plants of the genus Asclepias (Milkweeds) as a host plant.
Whorled Milkweed (Asclepias verticillata) is a herbaceous perennial that grows in most of North America except for the far western areas. This plant is a host to the Monarch (Danaus plexippus). It can grow to 3 feet tall and has green to white flowers that bloom from May to September. It is hardy in zones 3-9.
Purple Milkweed (Asclepias purpurascens) is a herbaceous perennial that grows from the mid-west to eastern North America. This plant is a host to the Monarch (Danaus plexippus). It can grow to 6 feet tall and has green to white flowers that bloom from April to August. It is hardy in zones 3-8.
Poke Milkweed (Asclepias exaltata) is a herbaceous perennial that grows from the mid-west to eastern North America. This plant is a host to the Monarch (Danaus plexippus). It can grow to 6 feet tall and has green to white flowers that bloom from April to August. It is hardy in zones 3-7.
Roundleaf Goldenrod (Solidago patula) is a herbaceous perennial that ranges from the mid-western to eastern United States. This plant, along with other goldenrods, is an important nectar source for many insects in the fall, including the Monarch butterfly. It can grow from 2 to 6 feet tall and has alternate, obovate leaves with serrate margins. The golden yellow flowers bloom from August to September and it is hardy in zones 3-8.
Woollypod Milkweed (Asclepias eriocarpa) is a herbaceous perennial found in the state of California. This plant hosts the Monarch (Danaus plexippus), Queen (Danaus gilippus) and Soldier (Danaus eresimus) butterflies. It can grow to 3 feet tall and has green, white to pink flowers that bloom from April to October. It is hardy in zones 4-9.
Pine-Barren Goldenrod (Solidago fistulosa) is a herbaceous perennial that is found on the coastal plain of the east coast of the United States. This plant, along with other goldenrods, is an important nectar source for many insects in the fall including the Monarch butterfly. The golden yellow flowers bloom from July to November and it is hardy in zones 3-9.
Go back to top of page