At Johnny Butterflyseed, we’re thrilled to announce our newest native seed offering: UnCommon Milkweed Seeds (Asclepias syriaca) — a powerful larval host plant for the endangered Monarch Butterfly: Native to the eastern and central U.S., A. syriaca is one of the most important milkweeds for supporting Monarch caterpillars. It produces […]
Since 2020, I’ve contributed to iNaturalist in good faith—as a naturalist, an ecologist, and someone who values the interconnectedness of all living systems. I joined the platform under the impression that it would amplify local knowledge and expand our collective understanding of biodiversity. What I found instead was an interface-driven […]
By Johnny Butterflyseed Florida is home to a dazzling variety of Warblers—small, energetic songbirds that rely on healthy, interconnected ecosystems to thrive. While these birds are often associated with forests and wetlands, gardeners and landscapers have a unique opportunity to create an ecological space that supports warblers year-round. By planting […]
By Johnny Butterflyseed If you’ve spent any time tending a Florida lawn or garden, you’ve likely come across Dollarweed (Hydrocotyle spp.). With its round, shiny leaves resembling silver dollars, it’s often labeled as a nuisance—sprayed, pulled, and cursed. But what if this so-called “weed” is actually a vital part of […]
Let’s be clear: Tropical Milkweed is indeed a Florida-native species within USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 10 and above.
If you’ve ever tried to germinate olive tree seeds, you probably understand why most olive “seedlings” sold online are actually propagated from stem cuttings. Olive seed germination is notoriously difficult, thanks to a complex dormancy mechanism and a hard, water-resistant endocarp that protects the seed within. This isn’t a process […]
Whorled Milkweed is one of the many varieties of milkweed that are critical to the survival of the Monarch Butterfly (Danaus plexippus).
A New Measure for Understanding Plant-Pollinator Relationships By Johnny Butterflyseed Pollinators are the unsung heroes of our ecosystems, playing a critical role in the reproduction of countless plant species. From bees and butterflies to beetles and birds, these creatures ensure that plants can produce the seeds and fruits necessary for […]