Today a Monarch Butterfly (
Danaus plexippus) stopped by this Gay Feather (
Liatris spicata -- also commonly called Blazing Stars) before flitting on beyond the garden. The Monarchs stop by this plant as it blooms every summer so far. It's that time of year, both for the fantastic, long blooming season of the
Liatris, but also for the Monarch.
Reno and the rest of northern Nevada is part of the Monarch Butterfly's migratory route. Back in the day when Milkweed was plentiful and pesticides scarce, millions of Monarch butterflies would pass through on their long journey to Canada from Mexico. But their numbers have greatly diminished and are dwindling still.
It's easy to make your garden Monarch Butterfly friendly. If you plant perennials that bloom in August, you'll easily attract the adults, as they enjoy the late summer flowering plants, like this beautiful, long lasting Gay Feather. But if you really want your garden to be Monarch friendly, you'll want to plant some Milkweed because the Monarch actually depends upon Milkweed to survive. Why? Because Milkweed is the only known plant the butterfly uses to nurture and feed its young.
We have a page devoted to the Monarch Butterfly. Check it out.