Ask EcoBeneficial!
Helpful answers to readers' questions. Go ahead - just ask EcoBeneficial
How do I tell if Monarchs are in my patch of Milkweed before I cut it?
I have a fairly large area of wild milkweed that I usually cut to keep the area cleared but before I cut it I was wondering if there was a way to tell if Monarch Butterflies are in this patch. I know that their numbers are lower than a few years ago.
Answer:
Thanks for writing in. If Monarchs are present you will often see their caterpillars on milkweed leaves. You may also have adult Monarchs which have already completed their metamorphosis. Even if you don’t see Monarch caterpillars or adults, keep in mind that you have a very valuable resource that they need. Milkweed is also an important source of nectar for many species of native bees, honey bees, many species of butterflies and many other beneficial insects.
It sounds like you may have a stand of Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca), which is a very important plant for Monarchs and other insects. Common Milkweed produces nectar not only during the day, but also at night – very important for nocturnal moths, including some beautiful moth species that are very challenged, such as the Luna Moth.
The seeds of of milkweed will feed many seed-eating birds and milkweed stems will provide habitat for many overwintering insects. Always try to leave the plants standing through winter for these reasons.
My suggestion – keep as much of the area standing as you can and only cut back what you truly need to have cleared. You are supporting a complex food web and a healthy ecosystem. Check out my recent post on milkweeds for additional information.
Best,
Kim
Photo: Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca)
Photo credit: Dendroica cerulea_Flickr
More from Ask EcoBeneficial!
Planting in Hot Weather?
Question: Is it too late to plant in July? I’m located in PA. Answer: For us plant geeks, it’s never too late to plant (or so we think!). Ideally you want to finish up your planting when the days are warm and the nights are cool. This promotes the best…
What Can I Plant for Pollinators on My Balcony?
I live in an apartment with a balcony. What can I plant for pollinators? Answer: Whether you have a balcony, a rooftop, or a patio, you can still plant many pollinator-supporting native plants in containers. It’s best to stick with perennials or small-sized woody plants, since the root volume of…
Should I Top My Tree to Reduce Its Size?
My landscaper suggests that I cut back the top of my Sugar Maple to reduce its size. Is this ok? Answer: I suggest that you quickly replace your landscaper and find a qualified arborist. Tree topping is extremely injurious to trees. Unfortunately, it is a very common practice, performed by…