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To save the monarch butterflies, plant this free milkweed
A Monarch butterfly lands on a flower at the Rinconada Community Garden on Nov. 3, 2021 in Palo Alto.
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Justin Sullivan
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Topline:
Monarch butterfly populations have been declining for decades, in part because the plants that they lay their eggs on — milkweeds — have been disappearing. You can help them by planting free narrow leaf milkweed, available from the Santa Monica Mountains Fund.
A must do: Monarch populations have fallen by 95% over the past 45 years along the coast of California, according to the Xerces Society.
Why milkweed: While the plants produce a toxin that's dangerous to other creatures, when monarch larvae consume it, they do just fine. In fact, it makes them less appealing to predators that may be interested in eating them.
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Pay attention to the variety: There are more than 200 varieties of milkweed, but there are only a handful native to California and provide benefits to monarchs looking to lay eggs. Narrow leaf milkweed is one of the most common varieties found throughout the state as it grows well in most places. The Xerces Society has a good breakdown if you’re looking for different milkweed options.
How to take part:
- Register for an upcoming giveaway and get six free milkweed plants per registrant
- Volunteer to help grow milkweed
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