I had no idea that the caterpillar of a monarch butterfly could survive on anything else but milkweed. I planted a couple of these plants in our flowerbed this year and today found two caterpillars on them.
Monarch butterflies
- Thread starter Sgt Fury
- Start date
I had no idea that the caterpillar of a monarch butterfly could survive on anything else but milkweed. I planted a couple of these plants in our flowerbed this year and today found two caterpillars on them.
A few years ago they were all over my Parsley plants and we have a shit ton of Milkweed in our yard literally a few yards away.
Ohiosam
*Supporting Member*
A friend photographs monarch’s as a hobby. He sends me tons of the most amazing pics. I never asked permission to share, but I think it would be ok to share 1.
Ohiosam
*Supporting Member*
i googled what that plant is and it’s called Blood Flower and is in the milkweed family
- 39,223
- 274
That's awesome. I need to plant something to attract and hold them as we're in the middle of the migration and wintering path. I have a large bed out front that I've planted white a fee flowers in that attract butterflies like crazy. But I don't think any of it is in the milkweed family. I thought about planning that blood flower but then I read this. Further research is necessary before I plant it here. I'm sure up there it isn't an issue as I'm positive it goes dormant in the winter. 
Attachments
You are getting "the look" while I'm tapping my foot.That's awesome. I need to plant something to attract and hold them as we're in the middle of the migration and wintering path. I have a large bed out front that I've planted white a fee flowers in that attract butterflies like crazy. But I don't think any of it is in the milkweed family. I thought about planning that blood flower but then I read this. Further research is necessary before I plant it here. I'm sure up there it isn't an issue as I'm positive it goes dormant in the winter.
I always wondered how many monarch (among other species and bees) butterflies, get annihilated along the highway, when they plant all the flowers in the median and sides of them…..
Well. You know what they say.
“What’s the last thing to go through a bugs mind when he hits your windshield…”
But on a more serious note.
I’ve re- broadcast the seeds on my property for years. I keep a couple pods with the fluffy stuff to check thermal and hard woods subtle
Wind direction bow hunting. 1 fluffy with no seed pod on it will surprise you how it meanders down the woods.
I’ve re- broadcast the seeds on my property for years. I keep a couple pods with the fluffy stuff to check thermal and hard woods subtle
Wind direction bow hunting. 1 fluffy with no seed pod on it will surprise you how it meanders down the woods.
I like how it picks up the thermals and goes outta sight!
Actually, not too surprising considering that plant appears to be a type of milkweed. It looks similar to swamp milkweed, but yours has much brighter and more colorful flowers. Very cool.