It\u2019s no secret that north central Texas is growing by leaps and bounds. Someone left out a welcome mat that says, \u201cYa\u2019ll Come!\u201d The hand of hospitality also extends to some of our most delicate and endangered creatures \u2014 monarch butterflies. Due to a cooperative effort between cities, counties and conservation-minded local organizations, such as Lake Granbury Master Gardeners, the region is becoming known for its protection of migrating monarchs.<\/p>\n
Monarch butterflies are among the most iconic visitors to local gardens, arriving in spring as they journey north and again in fall as they fly south to Mexico. Unfortunately, their populations have declined due to habitat loss and the reduced availability of host and nectar plants. That\u2019s why it\u2019s increasingly important for residents to lend a helping hand. They can support these winged travelers by creating butterfly-friendly gardens that provide food, shelter and breeding sites.<\/p>\n
How? Begin by planting milkweed. The monarch\u2019s life cycle is tightly bound to the milkweed plant family. Female monarchs lay their eggs exclusively on milkweed and caterpillars feed on the leaves. Several species are native to North Central Texas including antelope horns milkweed (Asclepias asperula<\/i>) and green milkweed (Asclepias viridis<\/i>), which grow best on minimally disturbed, sunny, dry sites and swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata<\/i>), which grows best in sun-to-part-shade, low-lying damp areas.<\/p>\n
Plant native milkweed by scattering the seeds on bare soil and raking a light layer of soil over them. For best results, stratify the seed prior to planting. The Xerces Society recommends soaking the seeds in pre-chilled distilled water and keeping them in the refrigerator for 24 hours. Afterwards, pour the seeds into a strainer and then rinse them again with distilled water. Next, mix the seeds by hand into vermiculite (after moistening it with distilled water). Put the mixture into a sealed container and store it in a refrigerator for 30-45 days. Meanwhile, prepare a planting site by removing debris and loosening the soil. Scatter the seed\/soil mix over the site. Keep area lightly moist until germination. Tip: Use sterile gloves when handling seeds.<\/p>\n
If planting in spring, wait until all danger of frost has passed. Soil temperatures should be at least 70 degrees. If planting in fall, the process is similar except that some gardeners let winter naturally take care of the stratification process. Germination varies depending on weather. Once established, perennial milkweed is drought tolerant and requires little care. Do not mow or trim milkweed until it blooms, goes to seed and seeds scatter, which gives rise to new plants.<\/p>\n
Butterflies also benefit from the availability of nectar-rich flowers to fuel their long flights. Choose native and adapted plants that bloom in succession from spring through fall. Monarchs migrating through Texas in fall are the \u201csuper generation\u201d of monarch butterflies. This generation lives longer, travels farther and reproduces on a different schedule than their parents or grandparents. They are sipping nectar, not laying eggs. In this migratory mode, their entire focus is to sustain themselves for their long flight to Mexico, which is why they need access to fall blooming nectar plants.<\/p>\n
Many gardeners plant the nectar-producing tropical milkweed known as butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa<\/i>) to encourage butterfly visits. It\u2019s an attractive, orange or yellow bloomer. However, new guidelines say it\u2019s best to not to cultivate this plant unless it is cut to the ground by Halloween despite its prolonged flower show.<\/p>\n
Butterfly weed harms monarchs for two reasons. Its long-lasting nature allows a parasite called Ophryocystis elektroscirrha<\/i> (OE) to build up on its leaves, which then spreads to monarch larvae and adults. OE can affect reproduction, flight ability and lifespan. Also, tropical milkweed\u2019s continued bloom encourages migrating butterflies to linger too long in area gardens. This disrupts their instinctive migratory pattern. Use butterfly weed as an annual, cutting it back in October to urge monarchs to move on. Monarchs cannot survive cold winters.<\/p>\n
Fall blooming nectar plants suggested by monarchwatch.org to support the monarch migration include Texas aster, Turk\u2019s cap, lantana, salvia, blue mistflower, goldenrod, Maximillian sunflower, Esparanza and Texas sage (Cenizo<\/i>).<\/p>\n
To learn more, attend the free Romancing the Monarch Butterfly Festival<\/i>, Saturday, October 4 (Oct. 5 rain date), 1:30 \u2013 4 p.m., in the LGMG Demonstration Garden, 1410 W. Pearl St. behind Hood County Annex I.<\/p>\n
Written and Photographed by LGMG Phyllis Webster<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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