Monarch host plant confirmed growing along a Utah street
iNaturalist: whatssnew
Native Plants
If you're trying to attract monarch butterflies to your own yard, this sighting confirms showy milkweed can establish and thrive even in developed, street-side urban settings like parking strips and roadways.
Someone spotted showy milkweed growing along a road in West Valley City, Utah, and other naturalists confirmed the identification, making it a verified record. Showy milkweed is one of the native plants monarch butterflies depend on for laying eggs and feeding their caterpillars, so every confirmed sighting helps map where this important plant is actually growing.
Key Findings
Observation verified as 'research-grade' on iNaturalist, meaning the ID was confirmed by the community
Location: W Lake Park Blvd, West Valley City, Utah, a developed urban/suburban roadside setting
Species identified: Asclepias speciosa (showy milkweed), a monarch butterfly host plant
chevron_right Technical Summary
A citizen scientist confirmed a verified sighting of showy milkweed growing along a street in West Valley City, Utah, adding a solid data point for where this monarch-friendly native plant is thriving in urban landscapes.
Abstract Preview
Original paper
showy milkweed (Asclepias speciosa) observed in W Lake Park Blvd, West Valley City, UT, US
Research-grade observation of showy milkweed in W Lake Park Blvd, West Valley City, UT, US.
open_in_new Read full abstractAbstract copyright held by the original publisher.
Species Mentioned
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Asclepias speciosa is a milky-sapped perennial plant in the dogbane family (Apocynaceae), known commonly as the showy milkweed and is found in the western half of North America.