Grow These New York Plants for a Monarch Paradise

It's Monarch butterfly season in New York State, and one simple decision could make your backyard a haven for one of the most famous insects in North America.

Despite the growing number of invasive species (including the awful caterpillars that nearly destroyed our oak trees last month), there are still many animals that should be making their homes in our backyards. It turns out there's a special secret if you want to attract monarchs.

Monarch Butterflies in New York State

Monarch butterflies are not only beautiful, but their migration paths make them one of the most impressive animals on the planet. Even though the small insects are fragile enough to be killed by a raindrop, they fly thousands of miles every August from the northern United States and Canada all the way down to Mexico. Luckily, there's an easy way to help boost their population.

How to Attract Monarch Butterflies to Your Garden

"Adult monarchs feed on the nectar of many flowers, but they breed only where milkweeds are found", began a recent Facebook post from the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). As it turns out, the monarch caterpillars (that will later turn into butterflies) have specific preferences regarding which type of milkweed you plant.

Read More: New York DEC Says Freeze This Invasive Species Immediately

Out of all the different types of milkweed, the USFWS found that female monarch butterflies USFWS prefer to choose swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) and common milkweed (A. syriaca) when laying their eggs. Luckily, both species are native to New York State, which means that residents can freely plant them without the worry of negative impacts to the local ecosystem.

Where to Buy Milkweed in New York State

Milkweed seeds can be found at many local greenhouses, as well as online (check out Hudson Valley Seed Company here). Planting the correct milkweed plants for your area can be a small but helpful step in ensuring the continued survival of one of the most fascinating creatures in New York State.