As autumn settles in and winter approaches the horizon, we no longer see the magical glint of orange and black floating above the grasses and flowers. Monarchs are on the move – beginning their long migration to the mountains of Mexico. They travel an incredible ~3,000 miles, crossing the continent in response to seasonal changes. It is a season of both departure and preparation, and the next generation of monarchs depends on the habitat we nurture here in Minnesota.
By late October, monarchs have left Minnesota on their journey south. Their migration marks the changing of seasons; when prairies turn from lush green to golden brown and when seedheads ripen in the wind. Though the skies feel emptier now, this is the perfect time to think about how to support next year’s monarchs. Every fall, the monarch’s survival depends on the habitat we maintain here – especially milkweed stands and nectar-rich flower sources.
The monarch’s main food source as a caterpillar is, you guessed it, milkweed. Right now, milkweed pods have opened and are being scattered in the wind across prairies. These seeds ensure that next year’s generation of monarchs has milkweed to rely on. Milkweed isn’t the only plant species that monarchs rely on though. Our late season powerhouse species, asters, have bloomed and faded. But their nectar has just fueled thousands of migrating monarchs before they departed on their journey.
Many of our native plant species rely on cold stratification to germinate. This means the seeds need a period of cold, moist weather conditions to grow. That’s what makes fall an ideal time to plant native seeds – especially milkweed and nectar plants. There are a few species of milkweed that you could consider: Swamp, Common, Butterfly Milkweed, Sullivant’s, etc. Aside from milkweed, focus on choosing flowers that bloom from early to late season to provide food all year long. Asters, goldenrods, wild bergamot, and purple prairie clover are great options for nectar sources for monarchs.
Of the different species of milkweed I have listed, each of them prefers a bit different soil, sunlight or moisture conditions. If you’re unsure of which species you should plant in your habitat, try using Presto. Presto is Prairie Restoration’s ecological tool that generates a list of native plant species that are suited to your soil, sunlight or moisture conditions. Presto will also give you a well-rounded list of nectar plants that can feed monarchs throughout the season.
Minnesota is a vital link in the monarch migration corridor. Let’s ensure we provide them with an abundance of native habitats to return to next spring. Even small plantings – a boulevard strip or a backyard corner – contribute to a larger network of feeding and breeding sites across the state for monarchs.
This fall, plant with the future in mind. Use Presto to find milkweeds and native nectar plants suited to your soil and site — and help ensure the monarchs’ return to Minnesota next year.
