Native Matrix Plantings for Monarchs
Monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus) need our help! Once common across North America, monarch populations have collapsed. Eastern monarch populations have declined more than 80 percent, and western monarchs have fared worse with a 95% population decline. Monarchs are proposed as Threatened under the Endangered Species Act, highlighting the calamity imperiling monarchs’ existence.
To preserve and restore monarch populations, it’s crucial that we add monarch-friendly native plants to gardens and landscapes. Native milkweed host plants and nectar-producing flowers support many generations of monarchs as they make their long migrations across North America.
Midwestern Native Plants for Monarchs
In this post, I’ll highlight three native matrix plantings (all 20’ x 10’) to support monarchs in various sun and soil conditions. These planting plans rely on information from the Xerces Society’s guide to monarch nectar plants for the Great Lakes region. You can find guides to monarch nectar plants for other regions on the Xerces Society website.
20’ x 10’ native matrix planting for monarchs in full sun and wet soil.
This first matrix planting is best for sunny, wet sites, such as a shoreline or open wetland. Fox sedge (Carex vulpinoidea) forms a groundcover of flowing green foliage. Swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) will host monarch caterpillars, while also adding structural interest with its long seed pods. Adult monarchs can enjoy a buffet of nectar-rich wetland flowers like boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum), Joe Pye weed (Eutrochium maculatum), and dense blazing star (Liatris spicata). Golden Alexanders (Zizia aurea) are included for their vital phenological timing. Golden Alexanders bloom during the late spring lull, when most spring blooms have faded while summer flowers are still to come. They support numerous insects emerging from pupation.
20’ x 10’ native matrix planting for monarchs in full sun and dry soil.
In the second matrix, there is a collection of monarch-friendly plants for full sun and dry soil. Drought-tolerant little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) is the groundcover, growing in neat tussocks. Whorled milkweed (Asclepias verticillata) and butterfly milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa) serve as host plants for monarch caterpillars, while offering floral resources for adults. A nectar-rich buffet of early sunflower (Heliopsis helianthoides), wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa), meadow blazing star (Liatris ligulstylis), and aromatic aster (Aster oblongifolius) provides a crucial pit stop for migrating adult monarchs in summer and fall.
20’ x 10’ native matrix planting for monarchs in part shade and mesic soil.
The third and final matrix planting for monarchs envisions a part shade environment with mesic (average moisture) soil. Shade-tolerant Pennsylvania sedge (Carex pensylvanica) creates a grass-like groundcover that pairs well with the scattered wild strawberry (Fragaria virginiana) spreading by runners. Poke milkweed (Asclepias exaltata) hosts monarch caterpillars in upland woods, and happens to be the most shade-tolerant native milkweed species. Reliable woodland edge bloomers like Culver’s root (Veronicastrum virginicum), early sunflower (Heliopsis helianthoides), and wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa) offer nectar for adult monarchs in cooler, shadier environs, a vital respite on the hottest days.
Supporting monarchs starts with choosing native plants. By creating critical habitat for monarch caterpillars and adults, you can help preserve our iconic North American pollinators.
These designs serve only as reference points. Matching plants to place is key, and professional landscape design simplifies the process. Schedule a consultation to create a custom native planting for your home or business landscape!
