The textbook definition of Native Plants - plants that have been growing in our area prior to European settlement. In other words, Native Plants have been adapted to our local environment for thousands of years. This is why Native Plants are also the most sustainable plants for our area. Once established, they require less water, are less prone to pests, and are less picky about our heavy soils. But most importantly, Native Plants support local pollinators and wildlife.
We believe everyone should have some Native Plants in their yards. Especially Asclepias! What's Asclepias? Asclepias (pronounced ah SKLEE pee us) is a genus of flowering plants commonly known as Milkweed. More importantly, it's the host plant for Monarch Butterflies. It's the only plant Monarch Butterflies lay eggs on. And when those eggs hatch, it's the only plant Monarch caterpillars eat till they undergo metamorphosis.
Sadly, due to careless use of pesticides and massive habitat loss, 80% of Monarch Butterflies have disappeared. Without Asclepias, Monarch Butterflies will go extinct. It takes one mature Milkweed plant to support one Monarch caterpillar. Monarch Butterflies need every bit of help we can give them and you can do your part by planting Asclepias.
