Chew on this… Native milkweeds are the only host plants for monarch butterflies and are prized plants for pollinator conservation. Monarchs lay their eggs on milkweed so when they hatch, the larva can start chowing down right away. Fueled by nearly constant consumption of milkweed, monarchs do all their growing in the larval stage of metamorphosis. Just a few millimeters long when newly hatched, caterpillars reach about 2 inches long and 2,000 times their original mass in about 2 weeks! Monarch

Want to support Monarch Butterflies? Milkweed is their only host plant and it’s a great addition to any pollinator garden. Choose a milkweed variety that is native to your area. Also, be sure to plants lots of other flowers around the milkweed as nectar sources for the adults. Having other plants nearby also provides places for the caterpillars to pupate, as they will often move away from the milkweed during this stage. Do you have milkweed in your garden? #monarchbutterfly #pollinatorgarden #po