CLEMSON, S.C. — In July 2022, the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) drew attention to North America’s migrating monarchs by adding them to their ICUN Red List of Threatened Species. In the United States, the more immediate plight of other threatened and endangered species has precluded the monarchs’ inclusion on the Endangered Species List. However, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service acknowledged that their place on this list is “warranted.” They mandated that the monarchs be reviewed annually as a potential candidate for inclusion. These incredible insects migrate 4000 miles every spring and fall and face immense dangers on this epic journey. What simple steps can you take to help monarchs as they travel past your home?
Plant Milkweed
It’s the only food monarch caterpillars eat! The most readily accessible native species in South Carolina are butterfly weed, common milkweed, and swamp milkweed (all available at the South Carolina Botanical Garden’s upcoming plant sale). Less common species might be found through local native plant specialist nurseries. Do not plant non-native tropical milkweed (Asclepias curassavica). A report published in 2015 found that monarchs who overwintered in the southeast on tropical milkweed were 5-9 times more likely to be infected with a parasite. This is a controversial topic and research is ongoing. However, there are better milkweed choices available for South Carolina. For more information on native South Carolina species, visit the South Carolina Wildlife Foundation.
Plant Nectar Plants for A Year-Round Supply
While significant attention has been paid to growing milkweeds for monarch caterpillars, adults need plentiful, rich sources of nectar. A partnership of the Xerces Society, Monarch Joint Venture, and National Wildlife Federation developed 15 regional lists for the continental U.S., including one for our southeastern region, featuring excellent nectar plants.
Avoid Pesticides and Herbicides
Pesticides do extensive damage to all pollinators, including monarch adults and caterpillars. Widespread use of herbicides has resulted in the decimation of milkweed populations across the country.
Reduce Lawns
As a monoculture, lawns provide very little support for monarchs or other insects and are a drain on natural resources, particularly water and fossil fuels. Add more native blooming plants to your landscape instead!
Encourage Your City or Town Government to Support Monarchs Too!
Greer, Irmo, and Clemson now have the designation “Monarch City, USA.” These towns are dedicated to planting milkweed and nectar plants on public sites and thus add to the habitat “steppingstones” available to migrating monarchs.
The South Carolina Botanical Garden Plant Sale:
- Friends of the Garden Sale, September 23, 2 p.m.- 6 p.m.
- Public Plant Sale, September 24, 9 a.m.- 1 p.m.
If this document didn’t answer your questions, please contact HGIC at hgic@clemson.edu or 1-888-656-9988.
–Clemson Extension Land Grant Press
RECOMMENDED ARTICLES
CLEMSON, S.C. — Tarnished plant bugs and thrips are major insect pests for South Carolina cotton. But Clemson University researchers assure growers help is on the way. During the 2022 Agronomic and Vegetable Field Day at the Edisto Research and Education Center (REC) in Blackville, South Carolina, Clemson entomologist Jeremy Greene told growers, although not […]
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee is fortunate to have 14 native species of milkweed (Asclepias sp.). Most are easily grown from seed and can do well in landscape plantings. All are excellent plants for feeding our native pollinator insects. Butterflies, bees, beetles, flies, moths and a variety of wasp species obtain nectar from milkweed plants. Milkweeds […]
ATHENS, Ga. — Summer numbers have remained stable for 25 years despite dire warnings For years, scientists have warned that monarch butterflies are dying off in droves because of diminishing winter colonies. But new research from the University of Georgia shows that the summer population of monarchs has remained relatively stable over the past 25 […]
ITHACA, N.Y. — Researchers have identified a species of milkweed that holds promise for planting on roadsides to improve conservation habitat for migrating monarch butterflies. The study, “Ecology of Asclepias Brachystephana: A Plant for Roadside and Right-of-Way Management,” published online Feb. 1 in the journal Native Plants, describes how researchers surveyed the poorly studied bract […]
