Johnny Butterflyseed has released Butterfly Milkweed (Asclepias Tuberosa) seed packs meant to support the endangered Monarch Butterfly (Danauus plexipus) across most of North America.

Butterfly Milkweed (Asclepias Tuberosa), also known as “Butterfly Weed,” produce unique, orange flowers that provide nectar for many pollinators, along with Monarch Butterflies.

Asclepias Tuberosa is not an invasive plant anywhere it is found. It is, in fact, not that easy to grow or maintain, despite being called a “weed.” Johnny recommends overseeding any existing Milkweed Garden or Monarch Waystation regularly throughout the growing season. At least monthly, but every two weeks is best, since it would synchronize with the Milkweed germination cycle. It may be better to sprinkle fewer seeds more often, rather than dumping a large amount out at once.

Monarch Butterflies Require Milkweed Plants

Not only is Butterfly Milkweed not a weed, it is critical to the reproduction of the Monarch Butterfly (Danaus plexippus).

Monarch Butterflies lay eggs only on Milkweed!

Monarch Caterpillars feed only on Milkweed!

Range

Butterfly Milkweed It is native to most of North America, with the exception of deserts.

Butterfly Milkweed can be found as far north as Canada all the way south to Florida and Mexico. Anywhere a Monarch Butterfly can be found.

It can be found as far west as Utah and Arizona and throughout all of the east to the Atlantic Ocean.

Butterfly Weed has naturalized in many non-native areas, and has also been found as far away as England, Fiji, and Australia.

Plant More Milkweed

To Save the Monarchs, we have to Plant More Milkweed! Johnny is helping by providing seeds to as wide a range as possible. But there are many more Milkweed species than Asclepias Tuberosa. Consult with your local herbarium to find dozens of different species for your area. You may even find some endangered Milkweed.

Endangered Milkweed, Endangered Monarch

There will probably be some Milkweed that are considered “endangered”. Johnny believes all Milkweed species should be treated as endangered. He also believes there is a Butterfly Farmer in each of us.

The Adventures of Johnny Butterflyseed Author Signed Copy

Save the monarchs!

Johnny Butterflyseed and his fairy friend, Raven Silverwing, embark on a mission to save the rapidly disappearing butterflies. They enlist the help of Queen Venus Goldwing and her kingdom of monarchs to educate and inspire kids to become butterfly farmers. At first, Johnny faces his own internal struggle with self-doubt and fear in his ability to make a difference, but then soon develops a mindset that allows him to not only get started, but also make progress one day at a time. Through challenge after challenge, Johnny learns that he is not alone in his mission and that there are many people who want to help. Together, Johnny, Raven, and Queen Venus educate thousands of children on becoming butterfly farmers.

 

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