Gardeners are spotting monarch's favorite plant everywhere this week
iNaturalist Community
Native Plants
If you've got milkweed in your yard or spot it on a walk, you're looking at the only plant monarch caterpillars can eat, and this week's surge in sightings means it's peak season to find it in bloom.
Common milkweed is one of the most-logged plants on iNaturalist this week, with over 500 people confirming sightings. This plant is a big deal for monarch butterflies since their caterpillars can only survive on milkweed leaves. Late July is when it's easiest to spot, with its clusters of pink-purple flowers and sweet fragrance drawing in bees and butterflies alike.
Key Findings
507 research-grade observations of common milkweed logged in a single week
Ranks among the most-observed plant species on iNaturalist this week
Timing coincides with peak summer bloom period for the species
chevron_right Technical Summary
Common milkweed is having a big week on iNaturalist, with over 500 people logging sightings, a reminder that this plant is easy to spot right now and critical for monarch butterflies.
Abstract Preview
Original paper
Trending: common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) — 507 observations this week
common milkweed is among the most observed plant species this week with 507 research-grade observations.
open_in_new Read full abstractAbstract copyright held by the original publisher.
Species Mentioned
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Asclepias syriaca, commonly called common milkweed, butterfly flower, silkweed, silky swallow-wort, and Virginia silkweed, is a species of flowering plant. It is native to southern Canada and much of the United States east of the Rocky Mountains, excluding the drier parts of the prairies. It is i...