Monarch Life Cycle
Monarch Meal Plan
First generation monarchs are born when overwintering monarchs return from Mexico in late April or early May. These monarchs lay eggs on a milkweed host plant. A milkweed plant is the primary food source for the monarch caterpillar.
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Asclepias tuberosa
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Butterfly Weed
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Asclepias syriaca
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Common Milkweed
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Asclepias viridus
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Spider Milkweed
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Two more generations of monarchs are born over the summer months from mid May to mid August. Milkweed plants are still needed for the caterpillars. Our summer monarch butterflies require nectar rich plants as their food source.
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Asclepias incarnata |
Rose Milkweed |
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Echinacea purpurea |
Purple Coneflower |
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Monarda fistulosa |
Wild Bergamot |
The 4th generation is born mid August. This is the generation that migrates to Mexico. These monarchs require a premium nectar source of quality protein to make the long journey to Mexico.
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Liatris scariosa var niewlandii |
Northern Blazing Star |
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Solidago speciosa |
Showy Goldenrod |
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Symphyotrichum novae-angliae |
New England Aster |
There are many other quality native plants to provide a food source for the monarchs. The above listed species are plants that are available and establish well, either from seed or from plant material. They are also known and proven to be monarch favorites. If these species do not meet site requirements, please contact us at sales@3bnatives.com and we gladly assist in choosing other desirable species.