Native Plants
Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
rate this answer
Monday - June 15, 2009
From: Naugatuck, CT
Region: Northeast
Topic: Wildlife Gardens
Title: Native Asclepias spp. for Monarchs in Connecticut
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
Dear Mr. Smarty Pants, I live in Naugatuck Connecticut and I want to hatch my own monarch butterflies. I know that Monarchs like to hatch eggs on Milkweed plants. There are many types of milkweed plants on the internet. Can you send me a picture of the type of milkweed I need to look for in Naugatuck? And where's the best place to look for them? Near water, in the woods? I'd appreciate your help. Thanks.ANSWER:
You can see the milkweeds, Asclepias spp. as well as 4 other species, recommended for monarchs on the MonarchWatch.org page for milkweeds. Here are the 9 species in our Native Plant Database occurring on that list that are native to Connecticut. You can check the habitat for each under the DISTRIBUTION section for each plant in our Native Plant Database.Asclepias amplexicaulis (clasping milkweed). Here are more photos and habitat information from Connecticut Wildflowers.
Asclepias incarnata (swamp milkweed). Here are more photos and habitat information from Connecticut Wildflowers.
Asclepias purpurascens (purple milkweed). Here are more photos and habitat information from Connecticut Wildflowers.
Asclepias quadrifolia (fourleaf milkweed). Here are more photos and habitat information from Connecticut Wildflowers.
Asclepias syriaca (common milkweed). Here are more photos and habitat information from Connecticut Wildflowers.
Asclepias tuberosa (butterfly milkweed). Here are more photos and habitat information from Connecticut Wildflowers.
Asclepias variegata (redring milkweed)
Asclepias verticillata (whorled milkweed). Here are more photos and habitat information from Connecticut Wildflowers.
Asclepias viridiflora (green comet milkweed). Here are more photos and habitat information from Connecticut Wildflowers.
There are the other four species of plants listed by Monarch Watch:
Apocynum cannabinum (Indianhemp) and Cynanchum laeve (honeyvine) both occur in Connecticut. See habitat information and more photos for Cynanchum laeve from MissouriPlants.com. Funastrum cynanchoides ssp. cynanchoides (fringed twinevine), synonym for Sarcostemma cynanchoides, does not occur in Connecticut. Calotropis procera (calotrope) is a non-native plant with its origins in Africa and Asia.
If you want to continue with your monarch butterfly project, you might consider planting and growing your own milkweed plants. Monarch Watch also has instructions for Growing Milkweeds.
More Wildlife Gardens Questions
Backyard habitat
March 20, 2004 - I’d like to start a backyard habitat. How do I begin?
view the full question and answer
Drought tolerant plants for butterflies and hummingbirds
November 16, 2009 - I have about 150 sq ft of space in our backyard (urban OKC residence) that gets direct sun in the morning but is 100% shaded by 11-Noon from 2 large Sycamore trees. The space is on the west side of t...
view the full question and answer
Perennial native plant to attract butterflies/hummingbirds
January 24, 2013 - Need 3-6 foot perennial native plant to attract butterflies/hummingbirds in Paris Texas...full sun, with sprinkler system
view the full question and answer
Creating a wildlife refuge
January 30, 2003 - We would like to make my yard more of a wildlife refuge by using a portion of the lawn for plants and shrubs and may afford shelter for birds and other wildlife. Can you please recommend what we shoul...
view the full question and answer
Native annuals for pollinators in King County, Washington
February 06, 2014 - I live in King County, Washington State, and I have a plot in a community garden. Rather than plant food, I'd like to attract pollinators. I need to use native annuals rather than perennials as the c...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |