Do NOT grow tropical milkweed
What Can We Do?
The widespread planting and establishment of the nonnative tropical milkweed (Asclepias curassavica) may promote increased OE infection in wild, migratory monarchs. Whereas most native milkweed species die back in the winter, tropical milkweed does not. The winter persistence of tropical milkweed along the Gulf Coast allows monarchs to breed throughout the winter. Winter breeding adults on the Gulf Coast are infected with much higher levels of OE than migrants, leading to the possibility that the disease could spread to migratory monarchs. It is recommended against planting tropical milkweed beyond latitude 28° north, the level of Orlando, Florida.
Educate the Public
Start Restoration Projects of Native Milkweed
Grow native butterfly milkweed and other species of native milkweed
Native species of milkweed and monarch nectar plants that are produced from locally or regionally sourced seeds should be used in restoration efforts. However, in many cases, locally appropriate milkweed seed sources are not yet commercially available and require development. The use of tropical milkweed is not recommended due to concerns about the potential spread of the OE disease.
Grow Nectar Plants for the Monarch Butterfly
Monarch butterflies also require nectar plants that are in bloom during the times when they are present. Nectar plants that are attractive to monarchs and available during the fall migration to overwintering sites may be especially important, and large-scale plantings of such plant material should be included in monarch conservation planning.
