Knowledgebase

Type of milkweed beneficial for monarchs #869488

Asked May 21, 2024, 3:23 PM EDT

In Florida, it has been requested that tropical milkweed, like the picture on your book mark, as there it encourages monarchs to remain there rather than migrating to Mexico, thus causing parasitic damage. By chopping them off for winter it helps them leave. 
Since they never stay here for the winter are they safe to use for monarch growth?

St. Clair County Michigan

Expert Response

I do not recommend planting tropical milkweed, as it does not lose its leaves in the winter. By keeping its leaves, it can lead to higher levels of infection by a protozoan parasite (referred to often by its acronym, OE). Some monarchs may twice in places like Florida or tropical islands year-round and this is not much of a problem. They are tropical butterflies that evolved migration to northern latitudes due to competition in the tropics. Tropical milkweed can encourage them to stay, which can be a problem but is second to that of the OE issue. 

It is best to cut back tropical milkweed to avoid harboring OE, or to avoid planting it at all, as it can escape gardens into natural areas. Try native milkweed, like swamp milkweed or butterfly milkweed. 

Good luck!

Ashley Cole-Wick Replied May 23, 2024, 10:19 AM EDT

Loading ...